THE AVERAGE INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR FOOD BANK SUPPORT IN SOME PARTS OF LONDON HAS RISEN TO 270%.
COVID-19 and lockdown restrictions are now the biggest driver of food bank use across the city. So in this time of increased stress for church and community leaders across the diocese, Capital Mass has pulled together some handy resources in this time of need.
We are grateful to our guest bloggers for their perspectives on what it’s like to run a well established food bank to starting a food bank from scratch in the last few weeks.
We have also pulled together a handy list of all the food banks in the diocese that are currently operational. This list is being updated regularly.
Reflections from the front - Part 1
Daphine Aikens, founder of the Hammersmith & Fulham Foodbank reflects on the last few extraordinary weeks.
Reflections from the front - Part 2
The Rev Alice Whalley, priest of a church in Finsbury Park, reflects on what lockdown has meant for her parish with the sudden rise in food poverty.
COFFEE with capital mass: Food Poverty
In this 45 minute online coffee morning, we were joined by Terry Puttick, from London City Mission, focussing on getting food out on the ground across London, and Rachel Macklin and Heather Buckingham from the Trussell Trust, giving us the bigger picture.
A local food bank and soup kitchen in action
Rev Alice Whalley takes you on a tour of St John’s Finsbury Park, food bank and soup kitchen, which has grown and expanded over the past few weeks to meet a growing need in the local community.
Where is my nearest Foodbank?
Capital Mass has compiled a comprehensive list of food banks across the diocese, which includes contact details, and when/where they are accepting food donations (correct as of 03/06/20).
Please do please check with your local food bank to find out whether they are open, as the situation is subject to rapid change.
