FAMILIES are set to receive a breakfast boost thanks to Inverclyde's zero waste pantries in Greenock and Port Glasgow.

The pantries in Grieve Road and John Wood Street have been handed free cereal and milk, worth £1,000, which will be given out to members on Thursday.

The initiative is linked to Challenge Poverty Week and the aim is to give parents support ahead of the October week school holiday.

Greenock Telegraph:

The pantries are run by Inverclyde Community Development Trust, supported by Inverclyde Council.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of the local authority and its welfare and financial inclusion champion, said: “Challenge Poverty Week is an opportunity for us to look at what we are doing to help people who may be struggling in our communities.

“The council is proud to support both the Greenock and Port Glasgow pantries and the many households they support.

“We have a number of initiatives in place to support families across Inverclyde. We are the first local authority in Scotland to offer free school meals to P6 and P7 pupils and we also offer an enhanced school clothing grant.

“If you or someone you know is struggling with the cost of living crisis, please do seek help. Inverclyde Council works with many partner organisations which offer valuable information and support.”

The Trust opened Greenock Food Pantry in December 2020, the first in Scotland to open outside of Glasgow, and it has 1,100 members.

Port Glasgow Pantry opened in July last year and is also going from strength to strength with 738 members.

Membership costs £1 a year and then it’s £2.50 for a weekly shop, covering around £15-worth of goods.

The Trust’s pantry co-ordinator Andy McCann said: "The Pantry works hard to try and keep as much money as possible in our members pockets by providing a wide range of good quality food at a greatly reduced cost.

"The Pantry is particularly vital at the moment because everyone is really struggling with energy costs and the cost of living, right now.

"In addition to helping with food insecurity, the pantry is also able to signpost its Pantry members to The Trust’s Employability Service, alongside offering other financial advice and budgeting support."

Based on a £2.50 weekly shop, both pantries have generated community savings to date of approximately £848,228.

Greenock Pantry is open every Monday from 10am - 3pm and Saturday from 8.30am- 3pm. Port Glasgow Pantry is open on Mondays from 10am-3pm and Fridays from 1pm- 6.30pm.