Bishops support foodbanks this Harvest

Harvest is a special time for Christians. It reminds us of all the good things given to us by God.

It’s a time when we give thanks for all the food grown on the land - but what about those who struggle to feed themselves and their families?

This Harvest, The Right Reverend the Bishop of Monmouth, Cherry Vann and The Right Reverend the Bishop of Llandaff, June Osborne have joined together to encourage people to keep giving to their local foodbanks #GiveThisHarvest.

Bishop Cherry, explains: “Foodbanks have seen unprecedented increases in demand as a result of the coronavirus pandemic as more and more people are plunged into poverty. They support people in our communities who are in the greatest need and what better way of celebrating God’s provision and goodness than by helping make sure these life-lines are kept well stocked.”

Bishop June, adds: "Covid-19 has highlighted an increasing need to tackle food poverty. With families skipping meals and children going hungry, the demand on foodbanks is increasing. No child should ever go hungry.

“This Harvest season I'm encouraging those who can, to donate to their local foodbank. Your donations are a practical way of thanking God and loving your neighbour."

According to the Trussell Trust, which supports a nationwide network of more than 1,200 food bank centres, food banks in its network saw an 89% increase in need for emergency food parcels during April 2020 compared to the same month last year.

They explain: “Harvest is an important time of year for food banks. We’re thankful that many churches and schools mark this season by collecting non-perishable food to help food banks in our network support people in crisis.

“We know that this year things are a bit different, with many churches meeting online, and all of us needing to put in place measures to limit the spread of coronavirus and keep one another safe.

“But we’d love you to consider whether your church or school can safely run a food collection to help keep food banks stocked so that they can support people in greatest need in our communities, as we move into a period where we expect to see exceptionally high levels of need.”

Visit www. trusselltrust.org.uk/church-resources for more information and remember to support your local foodbanks too!