Greenock retailer launches in-store food bank to support community

In a moving thank-you gesture, an independent store in the Scottish town of Greenock has launched a food bank in-store to ensure nobody in the community goes hungry.

Harry Ahmed, who opened the store in early March just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, said the food bank is a response to the local support the store has received.

"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,” he said.

The Nisa Local is operated by the Ahmed family and those in need have been urged to contact the store or speak to Harry directly, in confidence. The team then puts food packages together.

“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,” Harry said.

Now, customers also chip in with donations to support the initiative, 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,” he commented.