Bean Making A Big Difference!
Last updated: 7.48am, Thursday 16th July 2020
Netherholm Community Food Hub has fulfilled a vital role thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers whose healthy food packages have kept Netherholm residents going.
Netherholm Area Association - which is affiliated to us here at Thenue - also swung into action at the start of the pandemic and was soon working in partnership with the food hub in handing out its much-needed food packages.
It has been a lifeline to vulnerable, isolated and older people who may be shielding and also to families whose lives have been turned upside down due in the health emergency – in many cases resulting in a loss of income.
There has been a firm emphasis on creating healthy packages of food and minimising food waste and the Hub has forged a close working relationship with the FareShare charity which exists to redistribute surplus food to charities.
The Hub is located in the Netherholm Community Hall which itself was a triumph of community endeavour. The area association saw their 20 year long dream of a community hall realised when it opened its doors. In August it will celebrate its second birthday.
There have also been donations of food from supermarkets and local businesses who along with FareShare have been described by the food hub as “magnificent.”
Volunteers have been a crucial component of the delivery system – without whom the operation couldn’t function.
At the height of the pandemic the hub was issuing its food packages to 202 families every week. This has now fallen to 83 each week as restrictions have eased.
Nikk McCurdy of Netherholm Area Association – who is also a Board Member of Thenue Housing – said: “It truly has been a remarkable effort by this community which faced a huge emergency the like of which none of us have ever experienced before.
“The dedication and hard work of the many volunteers has been magnificent as have FareShare and the supermarkets and other businesses who have helped us. We couldn’t have done it without them.
“We also want to thank our funders which are Thenue Housing, Thenue Communities, STV Children’s Appeal, the Scottish Government along with money from private donations.”
Glasgow City Council like all Scottish local authorities has been playing its part in combating the pandemic.Councillor Margaret Morgan who represents the Linn ward which includes Netherholm visited the Hub and was impressed by the efficiency of the project and commitment of local people to make a difference.
Councillor Morgan said: “This has been an outstanding achievement by the whole community and I was deeply impressed by what I saw on my visit. It has been a vital lifeline during the past very difficult months.”