Chichester Mothers Union launch food aid for FSW
Mothers’ Union launch food aid to support FSW families.
Mothers’ Union members are taking action across the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland, supporting at grass roots level their communities and nurturing faith as well as supporting families around the world.
Whilst government measures globally are proving effective in halting the spread of the Coronavirus, they come at additional costs, including financial hardship for families, pressures on relationships, loneliness and isolation.
In Chichester Diocese this is no exception. And when MU realised that the diocesan charity Family Support Work (FSW) were short on food for the families they work with across Sussex, it seemed only natural that Mothers’ Union members would step in and help.
Within their Branches across the diocese MU members pledged to collect and donate food, for FSW. It was felt that collections over a 4 week period should be enough to allow FSW time to get more permanent structures in place.
Most of the 44 Mothers’ Union Branches in Chichester Diocese are able and wish to take part. Mothers’ Union members always pray with their feet moving, so it seemed appropriate to start on Ascension Day, Thursday 21st May, as Christians all join in prayer with “Thy Kingdom Come”.
Diocesan President, Karen Hill said: “I know Mothers’ Union members pray with their feet moving. This is a simple need and one I know we can help with. Whilst our work abroad cannot, at this moment, stop families abroad always going hungry, we can help those on our own doorstep. FSW and Mothers’ Union mirror each other’s core values, and are an obvious partnership in these difficult times.”
The last 8 weeks in lockdown has been hard and members relish the opportunity to do something, to help others. One member, Norma said,” My granddaughter gets my shopping for me, as I have to be shielded. It will be lovely to get her to buy some food for someone other than me!! It’s good to do things for each other.”
The Trussell Trust, the UK’s biggest food bank network, said it gave out 89% more food parcels in April, compared to the same month last year, while the Independent Food Aid Network (Ifan) recorded a 175% increase over the same period.
Martin Auton Lloyd is the CEO of FSW. He said: “The MU has always been a great friend to FSW and just as we thought we were going to hit problems with food supplies they step in and offer to help keep the food bank running. Bringing our joint supporters together like this is a great way to show to the wider community the commitment to serving those in need that we, as Christians, have.”
Food will be donated at various locations across the Diocese (see list below) and will then be taken to a number of area collection points each Friday, from where it will be picked up the following day. The first collection is Saturday 30th May and then on the next 3 subsequent Saturdays.. The food collection will then be delivered to the FSW Offices in Brighton. Donations can be made by non MU members as well, and If any would like to donate food please feel free to drop at the places and times given on the attached list, or telephone Karen Hill on 01903-202522.
FSW has been helping children and their families across Sussex since 1890 and the Bishop of Chichester, Dr Martin Warner is its Patron.
If you wish to know more or would like to help donate or collect food please do get in touch with Karen Hill MU Diocesan President. Email Karen booboo1959@btinternet.com or Martin Auton Lloyd 01273 832963
List of drop off points:-
As for a collection from non M.U. members, food may be dropped off at the following:-
Green Oaks, Barnham Road Barnham PO22 0EB
on Thursdays between 4 - 8 pm on 28th May, 4th June, 11th June and 18th June
For more information please telephone 01243 555905
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2,Priory Close, West Tarring, Worthing, BN147NP Please leave food in awning in Front Garden.
On Thursdaybetween 10am-12noon 28th May 4thJune, 11th June 18th June and Friday between 10am-12noon,
29th May, 5th June, 12th June and 19th June. For more information please telephone 01903-202522
31, Fifth Avenue, Lancing West Sussex, BN15 9QA- Please leave food in the Porch.
Any time
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18, Delius Gardens, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6RY – ( This is a cul de sac shaped in a T, turn right)
Please leave food in GarageAll day Friday, 29th May, 5th June, 12th June, and 19th June
What is needed:-
Tinned:- all fruit, all vegetables, Baked Beans, Ravioli, Pies, Macaroni Cheese, Spaghetti, Meat, Soup, Fish, .
Jars:- All Jam, Honey, Marmite, Marmalade, Chocolate Spread
Packets:- Rice, Couscous, Soups, Crisps, Chocolate biscuits, Cereal Bars
Misc:- Tomato Sauce, Gravy Granules
What is NOT needed:-
Cereal, Tea, Coffee, and dried Pasta