WHITEINCH CROSS is soon to have its own affordable fruit and veg market.

Local people working in food provision and food justice in the area are launching the market as of September this year.

Whiteinch is a fairly high-density area, yet there’s very little food provision.

The market will be supported by the Alexandria Rose charity, which will distribute vouchers to local people to support use of the market when needed.

This model has worked well in the Calton ward previously and is set to be rolled out in other areas across Glasgow in the coming years.

The market comes at the same time as representatives will gather at the City Chambers for a food summit to discuss how Glasgow is performing on its City Food Plan and how to focus on transforming our food systems moving forward.

The 10-year plan aims to have various long-term outcomes, which include access to healthy, affordable food, reducing food insecurity, more opportunities for communities to enjoy cooking and growing together, and a thriving local food economy that promotes fair work and the principles of sustainability.

The affordable fresh fruit and veg market at Whiteinch has these outcomes at its heart and has the desire to help us create a thriving food system locally.

It will be accompanied by some cookery classes and sharing of recipes from various cultures, supporting the aim of tasty, healthy, and affordable meals for all.

Also, a local community growing group is due to be launched in the coming months, supported by Glasgow Eco Trust, and local schools are exploring the potential of using local plots of land for growing.

The market launch offers an amazing opportunity to breathe a bit of fresh life into Whiteinch Cross, which has been neglected for some years.

It has huge potential to be a thriving outdoor space in Whiteinch and many are starting to envision what that could look like.

As a first step, local groups are looking to get some new art at the Cross and want to know what you associate with Whiteinch and what it means to you?

Please get in touch with any thoughts and ideas by emailing lana.reidmcconnell@glasgow.gov.uk.

Other small changes we’ll try to make prior to September could be adding planters, replacing the seating, improving lighting, and adding bike racks for easy access to the Cross and cafes/shops on Dumbarton Road.

Also, keep an eye out for a few pop-up stalls at Whiteinch Cross in the coming months.

Market organisers will be asking your thoughts on the above.