A NEW initiative aimed at tackling food poverty and social isolation in Port Glasgow has already served 129 people during its first two sessions.
Connect Meals, delivered in partnership with Inverclyde Leisure, is being piloted at Boglestone Community Hub, where residents can enjoy a hot meal and a drink for just £2 in a warm and welcoming environment.
The service operates every Tuesday and Thursday between 3.30pm and 5.30pm and is open to everyone in the community.
It was launched during Challenge Poverty Week, which runs from October 6 to 11.
The strong turnout at the opening sessions highlighted demand for accessible, affordable support as families continue to feel the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
Council leader Stephen McCabe attended the first Connect Meals session and had previously praised the impact of the scheme.
He said: "We all know how important it is to eat well and how hard it is to find a bargain these days.
"We've got a whole range of initiatives funded largely through our anti-poverty fund, and we're always trying to think of new ways to support families.
"We just felt this was another opportunity to show some support and provide a subsidised meal and coming into the winter period as well, it's important that families do have hot meals.
"So it's a pilot project, but hopefully it'll be a success, and we'll look to continue it."
As well as providing nutritious low-cost meals, the programme aims to strengthen community connections and reduce social isolation by creating a space where people can come together, share a meal and access support.
Connect Meals will run until end March 2027. It will be available from the cafe inside the soft play area and also in the foyer of the centre.
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