Our Stories…

Pollokshields Mutual Aid & Community Food Point is a group of residents of G41 in Glasgow helping each other to access food, find emotional and practical support, and to identify ways to improve lives in our community. We all volunteer our time, while also gaining friendship, support and help from each other where needed.

Here are some of our stories…

Lee used The Food Point a couple of times and then became a volunteer.

What was happening when you first came to the food point?
I lost my job, and I needed to get supplies in. It was a real help whilst I sorted out benefits. Then I started working again, but that was limited. Even when you are working it’s tough.

How has your experience been of using the food point?
Nobody knows anything about you. They don’t question why you might need to use the food bank…. I can survive, I am on my own, but if you have a family, like four children you need fresh fruit and vegetables and other stuff. You know there’s usually someone working in that family and it’s still really needed to give someone a hand.

What do you do at The Food Point?
I, basically, put together packages and meet the people as they come in and pick up a package. There is a good selection of stuff, really. I pack bags and ask people what they need. 

Mohammed arrived at the door out of hours in some distress seeking some food basics. We spent some time speaking together and got him a snack before organising food. Like many of our visitors his needs around food became less over time but we continue to be a source of contact and support. And it is mutual: we enjoy seeing him and hear how he is doing – he is very supportive of The Food Point.

How did you hear about the food point?
It was my social worker. She said, ‘if you’re having trouble, just go down there’. I said, ‘that’s just round the corner’. She told me to go in, tell them you’ve just moved into the council house, and tell them your needs. And they’ve been really, really great and supportive.

What were your expectations?
I had no expectation whatsoever; it was just going in blind. But they were so accommodating, so welcoming. I like their spirit. And it gave me an uplift, you know? There are people out there who show empathy. 

How has your experience been of using the food point?
The first time I went there, when I was leaving, I started crying. It was just a case of these people are so nice. And here I am.

Have you ever used a food point before?
Never in my life. I’ve always been, until my circumstances changed, self-employed…. I’m trying to build my future back up again by showing my own dignity and getting back on my feet.

Fatima uses The Food Point intermittently and regularly contributes recipes

What was happening when you first came to the food point?
I have 5 children and it’s difficult – has been more difficult in the last year – to buy enough food so we can all eat.

Your experience using the food point?
I like to cook. They help me with food that I can cook with. I come by every few weeks. I also have got clothes from them and I like it that they make my little girl feel special. Always a book or gift like a sticker. We also take the hot food and we have gone to the winter events down the street. They helped me with getting an emergency dentist appointment and organising help with my electric when I was having difficulties. There’s lots of people like us who have been in difficulty. I like to see that some young people from our neighbourhood are volunteering. It is good for them becoming adults.

And the future?
I would like to help with the hot food cooking when my little girl goes to the school.

Anna used The Food Point just once in an emergency situation.

What was happening when you first came to the food point?
I had been given notice from one job so was starting a new one but got caught out – payday for my new company wasn’t until the end of the following week. I panicked. I basically ran out of groceries and was walking miles to my new work. I don’t have family to help so I went to Citizens Advice. The woman phoned The Food Point and asked if they would help me. So I came in after work that day. I was scared they would shut before I got there so I ran even though it was hot outside so I remember turning up stressed and mortified.

How has your experience been of using the food point?
Great. Didn’t look like I thought it would. They said they were expecting me… in a friendly way. They were chilled out. I picked out food I like. I’d expected tins of beans. I mean I would have been grateful for beans but it was nice getting fruit and bread and milk for my tea. I thought I’d feel mortified but I didn’t by the end. I kept saying ‘thank you’ and they said ‘no problem- you don’t need to be saying thank you’.

And the future?
I’d like to volunteer one day. Now I pass it and look in. The window makes me smile. It’s a friendly place. I follow The Food Point on Facebook. I donated some groceries a few times – not much but what I could afford. It feels good being able to give a wee bit back – and I now know where I can turn to if I get caught out again.

Pollokshields says #NoToHunger

If you are able to, please consider setting up a regular donation to support the work of Pollokshields Community Food Point. Every penny of your donation will go to support people accessing The Food Point. 

How your money will be used:

£5 - will provide someone with an emergency food pack

£10 - will provide a grocery pack for a family of 4

£25 - will cover fuel costs for 5 trips by our volunteer food delivery drivers taking food to isolated people in our community. 

£100 will provide hot meals for 70 people, via The Food Point, home deliveries, or at community events.

So far over 14,500 household food packs have been distributed

That all sounds amazing, how do I sign up?