Nobody goes hungry in Greenock

An in-store foodbank has been launched by staff at a Nisa Local store to ensure nobody in the community goes hungry.

The team at Nisa Local Greenock has been making up packages for those in the local community who are struggling and have been supported by customers who have also made donations, in a bid to help local people in need.

The store, which opened at the beginning of March just as the coronavirus outbreak hit, has quickly established a place in the community and the launch of the foodbank is in response to the local support they have received.

Nisa Local Greenock, a 1,500 sq.ft. shop in the heart of the community, is operated by the Ahmed family and owner Harry Ahmed says he is wants to help locals in any way possible.

He said: "We are very grateful to have our business here and to be doing well thanks to the support of the locals. We just wanted to help and give something back and we have seen how much some people are struggling right now.”

People have been urged to contact the store or speak to Harry directly, in confidence, and the team then puts food packages together.

He said: “No nobody needs to feel embarrassed. We just ask that people contact us. They can message us on Facebook with their needs, or pop into the store and speak to a member of staff and then we arrange what they need.”

As well as donations made by the store, locals have rallied around to show their support by donating groceries and money to purchase essential goods.

Harry said: “Everyone in the community wants to support us and we have had some really generous donations. The local people have been great and together we are just trying to do our best and help those who need it right now.”