FEEDING THE HUNGRY AND WOMEN BISHOPS!
Your Citizens Advice Blogger has been out and about this week and the hot subjects locally have been the Kidderminster Foodbank and the Church of Englands vote regarding women bishops
I report that many of our local hard working ladies ( and men of course!) and churches are it seems, more concerned about feeding the hungry than worrying about whether a woman can be a bishop or not.
I discover that over 13 million people live below the poverty line in the UK. Every day in the UK people including children are going hungry for various reasons. Some have lost their jobs, others just can't keep pace with the rising prices of energy and food in particular and find themselves in debt. For many this is the first time they have found themselves in such a situation. Often single Mums will go hungry in order to feed their children one meal a day!
Trussell Trust Foodbanks provide a minimum of 3 days emergency food and a maximum of 12 that will support people going through a crisis situation. I read that this year they will feed over 100,000 people. Across our nation Trussell Trust are partnering with churches and charity organisations to open new foodbanks. Their goal is to open in every town and they have over 170 to date.
In Kidderminster the economic crisis prompted Churches Together in partnership with Trussell Trust to open a foobank back in May 2012.The service operates from Baxter Church on Monday and Wednesday from 12:30pm to 3:30pm and Friday 9.30am to 3.30pm and to date has fed nearly 1000 people including over 400 children.
Users of the service must be given vouchers by churches, social services and organisations like the Citizens Advice who recognise the persons need. They can then exchange the vouchers for food. At CAB Wyre Forest we are happy to be involved and support this great venture. Foodbanks also help to prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and emotional health issues. A box of nutritionally balanced, non perishable food can make all the difference.
If you want more information about the Kidderminster Foodbank or any debt issues why not call at the Wyre Forest Citizens Advice Bureau in New Road or give us a call on 01562 60194. You can also phone the advice line on 0844 4111 303
If you want information about donating food and making cash gifts or volunteering at the foodbank please contact the co-ordinator Maureen Lewis on 07704027114 or email: lewismaureenuk@gmail.com
PLEASE NOTE: on Friday 21st and Friday 28th December 'Double Food' will be given to tide people over the holiday period.
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