In Issue 1, food writer and founder of Kaleyard Cook School and Kitchen, Sumayya Usmani, shared some of her favourite places to eat authentic Pakistani cooking in Govanhill and how that made her truly feel at home

In Issue 1 of Greater Govanhill, the Rumpus Room food working group explored the inherent inequalities in our food system and what can be done to fix them, with a bold new manifesto.

An innovative community food initiative from the Govanhill Baths Trust opens on Cathcart Road today [Monday 14 Sep]. Named The People’s Pantry and operating via a low-cost membership model, the project aims to combat food poverty in a dignified welcoming environment.

While the streets have all but emptied of vehicle traffic, there has been an increase in cycle journeys across Scotland. Many are taking up for cycling for the first time as a necessity for getting to work. While others are using their bikes to deliver essential services to those in need.

The independent Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Foodbank normally provides food parcels on a weekly basis. At the moment they’re opening once a fortnight on a Wednesday for donations and then the following day for collections. Keeping things running is a team of volunteers working alongside local organisations and fuelled by the good will of local people making donations.

Pupils may not be able to come into school, but teachers from one Govanhill primary school found themselves visiting pupils’ homes last Friday. The depute head and two of the teachers from St Bride’s Primary spent three hours delivering around 300 meals to 40 families in Govanhill – in recognition of the fact that many are struggling.

We know that many people are unable to go out to the shops at the moment, due to the need for self-isolating. Delivery slots for larger supermarkets are booked up weeks in advance. However, there a several options available from local businesses and wholesalers, many of which are offering next day delivery.