23rd October 2024 - Food Hub
Every week, the CWIN Food Hub redistributes around 500kg of surplus food from major chains to help community members challenge food insecurity.
At the heart of this project are our dedicated volunteers—individuals from asylum seeker and refugee backgrounds who contribute their time while building employability skills. Through the Food Hub, they gain vital experience in retail numeracy, learning to operate tills, manage stock, sort expiration dates, and more. By tackling food insecurity, we also provide long-term benefits for volunteers, helping them improve their future prospects and build valuable connections.
Our volunteers Sherzad and Fatma sorting food displays.
Willow practising with our volunteers how to recognise currency. Valuable retail skill!
Led by Willow Rees, the Food Hub operates every Monday, Thursday, and Friday, with a team of 25 volunteers helping over 60 families each week. Volunteers not only ensure the smooth running of the hub, but also develop skills that enhance their employability.
One volunteer beautifully described their experience: "Volunteering at the food hub allows me to socialize more and develop new skills that I would definitely need in the world of employment. Organization, group work, and sometimes a little pressure or improvisation are among other values that I develop weekly and above all, communication with others."
Culturally relevant food items, always properly displayed.
In addition to being a shop, the Food Hub offers a welcoming atmosphere where families can access culturally relevant foods while connecting with others in their community. The energy is warm and collaborative as people browse through fresh vegetables, vibrant fruits, and pantry staples. The hub also redistributes produce from our allotments and contributes ingredients to our weekly community meal, making it an essential part of our broader integration efforts.
Fresh fruit and vegetables for community members to choose from -- look at these strawberries!
Volunteers are the heart of the Food Hub, ensuring the service runs smoothly.
Supported by the Glasgow Communities Fund through GCC and GCVS, and The National Lottery Community Fund—made possible by National Lottery players—the Food Hub continues to challenge poverty and food insecurity. We embed numeracy training in all aspects of the work thanks to the support of the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, via the Glasgow Multiply Grant Scheme.
If you’d like to help, we are always in need of regular food donations—especially rice, eggs, meat, and culturally relevant items like halal foods. Donations can be dropped off on Thursdays before 1pm, or you can contribute financially via the Givey link, adding "More food!" as your donation message.
Your support helps us keep this vital service running, ensuring families in need have access to healthy, culturally relevant food. Every contribution makes a real difference. Whether it’s food or funds, you’re directly impacting lives in our community!
If you want to access the Food Hub, please check our weekly schedule for opening times. Let’s share some food together!
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