Food poverty conference in Glasgow set to bring charity groups together

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A charity dedicated to combating food poverty is hosting its first seminar in Glasgow next week in a bid to make food insecurity “a thing of the past”.

The Scottish Pantry Network (TSPN) is organising its inaugural conference “Building Tomorrow’s Legacy Today - The Future of Scotland’s Food Sector” on Tuesday, September 24 in the historic Trades Hall in Glasgow.

The aim is to bring the community together and discuss how food poverty can be eradicated once and for all.

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This event will bring together key stakeholders from across Scotland to engage in meaningful discussions, share innovative ideas, and collaborate on building a more sustainable and equitable food system.

Mandy Morgan, CEO and Founder of TSPN, said: “Scotland's food sector is deeply rooted in a tradition of community involvement, with local food networks and grassroots organisations playing a pivotal role in ensuring access to nutritious food for all.

“However, despite these efforts, food insecurity remains a persistent issue, exacerbated by economic inequality, rising costs of living, and the global impacts of climate change. The Scottish Pantry Network, through this conference, aims to address these challenges head-on.”

So far attendees are expected to include representatives from The Poverty Alliance, Scottish Alliance for Food, Community Food Networks, Health Improvement teams and academic researchers who will provide a comprehensive perspective on the multifaceted nature of food insecurity in Scotland.

By bringing these organisations together TSPN hopes to facilitate the exchange of ideas, promote best practices, and inspire new initiatives that will contribute to the creation of a more resilient food system.

One of the highlights promised at the conference will be presentations from the Scottish Government’s Good Food Nation Team, who will provide insights into the latest policy developments and government initiatives aimed at tackling food insecurity. These sessions will be critical in aligning the efforts of community organisations with national strategies.

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Mandy continued: “The event will include more informal “sofa chat” sessions and workshops offering a relaxed environment for open discussions. These sessions will allow attendees to share their experiences, challenges, and successes, facilitating a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and encouraging the cross-pollination of ideas.

“Additionally, exhibition stalls will be set up, showcasing the work of various organisations involved in the fight against food insecurity. These stalls will provide a platform for attendees to learn about ongoing projects, discover new resources, and establish connections with like-minded individuals and organisations.

“The Scottish Pantry Network’s first conference is not just an event; it is a call to action for everyone involved in Scotland’s food sector. By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, the conference aims to build a collaborative foundation for a future where food insecurity is a thing of the past.

“As the attendees gather at Trades Hall in Glasgow, they will not only be discussing the future of Scotland’s food sector but actively shaping it, ensuring that tomorrow’s legacy is built today.”

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