Sharing a meal in the community

Woodlands Community Café in Glasgow opened in 2013 in response to the rising levels of food insecurity in the area and a commitment to offer an alternative to food bank provision: “It was time to feed our community the best food possible!”, a staff member explained. Every week, staff and volunteers from the community prepare a three-course vegetarian and vegan meal for on average 65 people on a pay-as-you-feel basis. The food is sourced from deliveries from FareShare, donations from local businesses and supplemented through purchases financed by participants’ weekly contributions. When possible, the coordinating staff member and kitchen volunteers integrate fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs from Woodlands Community Garden – grown around the corner from the café. They offer music and singing workshops before the meal starts, and participants are encouraged to play the piano throughout the evening. The café has also built up a partnership with their local Citizens Advice Bureau, who attend the café to provide information and advice.