Healthy Meals Help Children Thrive At Wester Common After-School

With almost 40%1 of people in north Glasgow living with food insecurity, three local organisations are stepping in to do their bit to help families in the area.

Young People’s Futures (YPF) run an after-school club, where primary-aged children can enjoy a healthy menu, as well as breakfast at home the next morning, provided by The Courtyard Pantry and funded by the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust.

By using food as a force for change, The Courtyard Pantry tackles poverty in the local community. They offer healthy, affordable meals and create job opportunities, training and volunteer roles for those who struggle to find work. By working with local services, the The Courtyard Pantry also helps people to connect socially and access vital support services, easing the stress of financial difficulties.

Their innovative ‘Health by Stealth’ menu, developed with the University of Glasgow’s Public Health Nutritionist team, ensures children receive nutrient-dense, tasty meals designed to meet Scottish dietary requirements. Since the menu launched, attendance at the YPF club has tripled – clear proof of the impact good food has on children’s engagement and wellbeing.

The project had initially been funded with ad-hoc donations and reserve funds. These began to run out, however, and Young People’s Futures – though delighted with the programme’s success – weren't in a position to cover the costs themselves.

With food provision under threat at YPF due to lack of funds, The Courtyard Pantry turned to the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, which stepped in with a £5,600 donation.

The donation will fund 14 weeks of meals for around 80 children each week and provide breakfast bags for them to take home after the club.

Dale Todd, Managing Director of The Courtyard Pantry said,

“We are grateful to the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust for funding our after-school club food programme. With food insecurity in the community reaching 40%, ensuring children have access to nutritious food is crucial. Thanks to the Trust’s support, we can continue to assist primary-aged children attending Young People’s Futures After School Club in Wester Common.”

David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, added,

“The Courtyard Pantry has made a real difference in this community for years, and we’re proud to help them tackle food insecurity. No child should learn on an empty stomach – and with this initiative, children can focus on school without hunger holding them back.”

This funding means children in Wester Common will have access to healthy meals and a brighter start to each day.

 Photos:

• Community Market at the Courtyard Pantry

• Community-grown vegetables at Courtyard Pantry

• Dale Todd, Managing Director of Courtyard Pantry Enterprise

• David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group