‘ Loaves and fishes’ come to Ayr
Big hearted church workers are on a mission to bring the miracle of the ‘ loaves and fish’ to Ayr.
The team at Ayr St Columba Lochside Parish Church are going to deliver free meals to children in the Easter holidays. Outreach worker Dylan Harper and his colleague Liz Chellis are busy stocking up stores to supply plenty of tasty grub over the break.
They expect to feed more than 100 kids in the town.
Dylan said the Lochside area of Ayr is among the 40 poorest in Scotland, even though the parish as a whole is one of the country’s wealthiest.
And nearly all, 95 per cent, of children at Braehead Primary get free school meals.
Dylan said: “During the summer that stops. So making sure those children get enough to eat presents a big financial challenge to their families over the holidays. It is absolutely vital to supply meals in the holidays as families rely on free school breakfasts and lunches during term time. To take it away during holidays is a massive failure on behalf of the local authority.
“As a church we made the commitment that we are going to serve this community and we will do whatever it takes.”
Children can get a free lunch at Lochside or Dalmilling Church.
They will receive a filled roll, snack, drink and piece of fruit.
The rolls have been kindly donated by Ferguson’s Bakery.
Dylan said: “Food poverty is a huge issue and is becoming more and more of an issue because of the price of fuel and the impact of welfare reforms.”
To find out more telephone: 01292 286981 or email: dylan@ ayrstcolumba. co. uk or visit: visit: www. facebook. com/ lochsidemissionandoutreach.