One of our churches in the Leeds area has been providing for people in their parish with a foodbank.
The foodbank, based out of St Cross Middleton, was set up to make sure there was a food collection point in the local area for people to access, and has been providing food parcels, clothing and more to those most in need.
The team, led by churchwarden Sarah Markillie, have been working since last year to offer parcels for collection from the church, which they do two mornings a week.
In December alone the foodbank gave out clothes hampers and Christmas toys to some 130 people, while providing food to some 400 people.
The Revd Andy Myers, Vicar of Middleton, said: “In all the darkness of these times our local community has shown massive support of our foodbank, with regular generous donations of food from local supermarkets, shops, and businesses, and from schools, individuals and parishioners of St Cross and St Mary’s.
“We operate a fairly relaxed system where food parcels are available to whoever calls, as we are conscious that church-centred projects should be non-judgemental, and know that the particular circumstances of the pandemic can create an overnight crisis for anyone, regardless of their circumstances.
“However, it is undisputed that those on the margins of society are disproportionately adversely affected by the virus.
“It is great to have a lay-led community initiative to provide hope in these dark times.”