Helping Neighbours in Need
Food Banks are a relatively new phenomenon. Their growth has been blamed on the 2008 recession and the Conservative government’s austerity policies. It should not be necessary for them to exist in a rich economy such as ours. But they do because there are still many households in our wealthy country with insufficient money to feed themselves. More than 14 million people in the UK are living below the poverty line.
The usual way of operating is for agencies such as social services, healthcare providers and housing agencies to refer residents to a local food bank where they will receive a few days supplies for each member of their family. It is often intended to be a short-term fix to overcome temporary problems. They are funded by charities and rely on donations from public and business.
The Food Club at St Mark’s Church operates slightly differently to help those who are struggling financially in the Tattenham and Preston area. People can join the club for £1 and then pay £2 every time they visit, taking home around £10-£14 worth of food depending on availability. No referral is necessary, and they are welcome every week.
It started in the Spring and is run by volunteers from St Marks and the local community. Initially they received a grant from the Council, but the club will need to become self-sufficient. They receive a weekly delivery from Foodshare, a charity that rescues food destined for landfill because it’s near its sell-by date. This is mainly fresh fruit and vegetables although they do also receive some dried goods and tinned products. Our local Asda and Co-op also help out with donations.
Currently, the club is serving 47 households which includes 72 adults and 51 children.
A new initiative is a café where members are served hot drinks and cakes and in the longer term the club is also planning cookery demonstrations.
One problem the club experiences is that the amount of food received can vary from week to week. Sometimes there is a glut when families may receive much more but other times there may be not enough to go round. In such cases they have to consider buying in food to have enough to meet members’ needs.
If you would like to join the club just visit St Mark’s Church, St Mark’s Road, KT18 5RD on any Friday between 1.30 and 3.00 p.m.
If you would like to help the club by volunteering or donating financially, please contact Des Williamson the Minister on 07948 273075 or minister@stmarkschurch.me.uk