Community food

The community food sector in Glasgow is established and vibrant, despite often relying on volunteers and short-term funding. It includes organisations in local communities which are working on projects that enable and support local growing, shared meals, food and nutrition education, improved access to nutritious food, and many also redistribute surplus food.

The community food sector is about much more than food provision. For example, community meals are open and inclusive, bringing people together in a safe space where everyone feels respected, equal and heard. They provide opportunities for the community to build connections, reduce loneliness, address hardship and food insecurity, and enable people to flourish. The Glasgow Community Food Network currently host an online map with details of the range of community organisations providing different food services across the city. See Find Local Food Services | Glasgow Community Food Network (glasgowfood.net).

The GCFN is also host to the National Lottery funded Food and Climate Action project which works alongside local communities in five areas to co-create a more resilient food system that is fairer and kinder to both people and the planet. The projects connects to wider action to improve the food system, including Glasgow City Food Plan.

Growing food locally brings communities together and can provide valuable access to seasonal produce. Glasgow's food growing strategy was produced in 2018, as required by the Community Empowerment Act, and is delivered by Glasgow City Council. One important part of this is the provision of allotments in the city.

Glasgow is home to: