A new community food pantry has opened in Alexandria after over two years of planning.

The initiative was launched inside the renovated Annex behind Lennox Hall on Thursday, October 17.

Lomond Community Food Pantry was created after a discussion between the Lomond Parish Church Mission and Outreach team and Councillor Hazel Sorrell on the amount of food poverty in the area.

(Image: Newsquest) It is a joint venture between Lomond Parish Church and the Haldane Tenants and Residents Association.

The project has received support from West Dunbartonshire Council's Cost of Living Capital Fund and Revenue Fund Grant, investment from the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund, and also the Clyde Presbytery Mission Fund.

Christina Lynas, secretary of Lomond Community Pantry, explained the importance of the venture.

She said: "It is absolutely vital something like this exists in the current climate.

"People are working very hard and some still can't feed themselves, it is horrendous.

"We want to help those who are struggling as it should not be the case that food poverty is a factor in 2024.

"Anyone can end up in a situation where they don't have enough funds to support themselves so it is important people know that help is available."

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Membership is free and anyone living in the G83 area can access a weekly provision of 10 food /household items for £3.

Initially, the pantry will be open on Thursdays from 4pm till 8pm and Fridays between 10am and 4pm.

The hall will also be used as a space for warm drinks to be served.

Mary Sweetland, leader of the Mission and Outreach Team at Lomond Parish Church said: "The hall was previously lying empty and we felt there was an opportunity to do something with it.

"We are so grateful for all our sponsors and fundraisers who have helped make this all possible.

"We wanted to create a positive environment, it is not means tested, so we want to make sure no one misses out who needs it.

"Some people can fall through the net and want to stop that from happening.

"No one should feel shame about struggling.

"Hopefully, this can make a difference."

(Image: Newsquest) The church has led the refurbishment, with a new charity currently being established which will take ownership of the space and pantry in the future.

West Dunbartonshire Council's Community Pay Back Team helped to renovate and decorate the building while the Working4U team supported cash and in-kind donations from NEC, McNairs, J M Murdoch, All Sports CM, Hawthorn Heights, Walker Love, McConnell.

Local firms such as Dunbritton Housing Association, Scotmid Cooperative, Warburtons, Waterwise, Gee’s Carpets and Singergie Choir also donated.

Councillor Hazel Sorrell, who is also the chairman of Haldane Tenants and Residents Association, added: " I’m so excited to have the pantry opening after over two years of working behind the scenes to make this happen.

"There is currently only limited provision from foodbanks in the north Vale of Leven area so this is something that is very much needed."