A NEW project has been launched which allows people in the Woodlands area of the city to meet for a hot meal.

Organisers of Woodlands Community Garden set up the scheme in a bid to tackle food poverty in the area.

Food hubs will offer a friendly space where people can meet, share a meal and access information and support.

They will initially be held in the Albany Centre in Ashley Street and Kelvinside and Hillhead Church on Observatory Road.

Project manager Tim Cowan said: "It is simply unacceptable that this winter so many people will be faced with a stark choice between eating and heating.

"We are determined to do what we can to support and empower people at the front line of the cuts.

"The food at our hubs will be fresh, local and seasonal and we will be emphasising bringing people together over a communal meal, rather than giving our dried-food parcels."

The Garden will also be working with local schools and community organisations to grow food which will be used in the meals and to provide training on how projects can set up their own growing space.

The food hubs will be delivered in partnership with a range of organisations, including Glasgow Council for Voluntary Services (GCVS) at the Albany Centre, West End Action for Churches Together in Scotland and independent charity Flourish House.

John Linn from Flourish House said: "People experiencing mental health problems often face isolation.

"At a time of welfare cuts and rising food prices, it is a really important initiative that will increase our members' ability to access fresh and healthy food."

Melissa Duffy, Albany Centre development officer, said: "GCVS has been grounded within the Woodlands community for the last 30 years so we are delighted to watch Woodlands Community Garden grow from a very good idea into a wonderful reality.

"The community garden is a fantastic example of how a community can work to enrich its surroundings and make use of its neglected spaces."

The first food hub will be held in the Albany Centre from 5pm-8pm this Wednesday, December 11.

Kelvinside and Hillhead Church will host a hub from 4pm-7pm on Thursday, December 17.

vivienne.nicoll @eveningtimes.co.uk