For, St Anthony’s Food Bank has used much of a £3108 award from the fund to provide grocery vouchers to 100 individuals and families. 

In addition, the group – consisting entirely of volunteers – can now operate a refrigerated and shelved industrial container, recently donated to them, ensuring the quality and safety of the groceries distributed daily in Springhall and Whitlawburn. 

The purchase of portable appliance (PAT) testing equipment, and training in using it, has also added the option of collecting and redistributing pre-loved electrical goods from kettles to microwaves.

The council’s Community Engagement team coordinates the Participatory Budgeting process with local stakeholders, with funding from the council and the National Lottery. 

It's then distributed through volunteers and groups on the ground, based on a series of priorities already identified by the community. 

St Anthony’s Foodbank’s Frances Swinburne is delighted that the additional funding has created the opportunity to offer more variety and choice for those living with food poverty.

She explained: “The funding received has been invaluable. By using vouchers our visitors can choose what they want to eat instead of receiving the basic bag of goods and optional extras. This especially helps those on a restricted diet, such as halal or who are gluten intolerant, to buy food that suits their needs.

“We also now have a fridge and a freezer meaning we can offer a wider range of fresh food, fruit, and veg.  We can’t thank the community engagement team enough for their consideration and support.” 

Council Leader and Chair of the Community Planning Partnership, Councillor Joe Fagan, said: “It is a reflection of the times in which we live that St Anthony’s foodbank has already helped more than 4000 visitors in the first three months of 2024. What an invaluable service this group of volunteers provides to the people of Springhall and Whitlawburn, and what a fantastic example of PB in practice. 

“This group, and so many like them are best placed to understand and support the priorities identified by those they live alongside, which is the essence of what this process is all about. 

“I thank and congratulate everyone involved in supporting the most vulnerable to navigate this cost-of-living crisis through community spirit and togetherness.” 

More information about Participatory Budgeting is available on the Community Planning website.