Since Queens Cross Housing Association opened the outlet, it has distributed more than 8,000 food and household items to the local community.

The Pantry, located on Westercommon Drive in the north of the city, is a partnership between mental health charity Flourish House and Queens Cross Housing Association.

Local people can become members of the Pantry for just £1 and are then able to spend £2.50 in return for food and household goods worth £10-£15 per visit.

Dale Todd is Flourish House’s pantry co-ordinator. He said: “The response we’ve had since opening from local people has been hugely positive. We have a steady stream of regulars and have quickly established the pantry as a valued local resource.

“Memberships are available to anyone living locally and we’ve been bowled over by the interest in the short time we’ve been open.”

Stock in the shop is made up of high quality surplus food and household goods from supermarkets and other stores,

Shona Stephen, Queens Cross Housing Association’s chief executive, added: “This is great example of how we can use our position within the community to identify a need and work quickly to address that need for the benefit of local people.

“Covid has undoubtedly put more pressure on people, many of whom may have been struggling to start with, so being able to work with Flourish House to give access to fresh, good quality food at a reduced price is a practical way for us to support people who may need a helping hand with everyday expenses.

“The numbers we are seeing coming through the door prove we are helping to address a real need within the local community.”

The pantry also houses a cafe, which offers a limited takeaway service at the moment due to Covid restrictions.

Westercommon resident Lesley Murray was the 350th local resident to sign up with the Pantry. She commented: “I think this is great initiative it’s a really pleasant place to come and shop and is real community asset.”

The Pantry is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am to 3pm but due to demand Dale added that he was looking at ways of extending opening times.

The project is being funded with help from the Scottish Government’s Communities Recovery Fund and Glasgow City Council.