In response to the cost of living crisis, the members of the Parish of Winton, Moordown and Charminster came up with an innovative idea to help local charity, Hope for Food. During their morning service at St Luke’s, Winton on Sunday 16th October, during the offertory hymn (a time when it is usual for monetary donations to be collected) a shopping trolley (kindly loaned to the church by Waitrose) was filled with goods for Hope for Food to distribute to those most in need.
Alongside the donations, each donor completed a postcard addressed to their local MP asking them to answer the question ‘what are you doing to address the root causes of food insecurity and eradicate the need for charities like Hope for Food?’
The Rev’d Michael Smith, Vicar, said:
‘We are appalled by the ever-increasing need for foodbanks in this day and age, and as a result, we have stepped up our approach and what we can do to help. In the big scheme of things, it’s a small amount, but when we heard that Hope for Food was having to buy food because they were supplying more and more people with provisions, we just had to do something. This is a small gesture. We also felt it was really important that we asked our local MPs what they are doing to stop the reliance on foodbanks and charities such as Hope for Food. It will be interesting to hear their responses.’
Mary, Operations Manager at Hope for Food commented;
‘We are really gratefully to organisations such as the Parish of Winton, Moordown and Charminster. We are reliant on many organisations for donations – schools, individuals and businesses as well as churches. Without them, our food donations would be even less. Having a weekly collection, however large or small, will be of great help and ensure that we can continue to help those most in need in Bournemouth.’
Picture: Vicar, Michael Smith and The Dean of Winchester, Catherine Ogle (who was leading the service) together with some members of the congregation and food collected.
(picture courtesy of M Smith).
See here for more resources and ideas to help your community with the Cost of Living Crisis.
