We have it within our power to bring an end to hunger
RIGHT now in Britain some 2.4 million children are living in families struggling to feed themselves. Poverty is eating away at the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our communities – often hidden from public view.
The gnawing, nagging pain of hunger is something most of us experience trying to shed unwanted pounds. But imagine having no choice in the matter – alongside the uncertainty of not knowing where your next decent meal is coming from. Worse still, imagine being a parent in this situation with two hungry children to feed.
The pandemic and its knockon effects of unemployment, mental ill health and homelessness have had a disproportionate effect on people already struggling with low- paid work, unstable housing and social isolation. Even before the pandemic, my team at St Giles were helping those experiencing poverty – despite many being in paid employment.
AT the start of the first lockdown, when supermarket shelves were stripped bare, we stepped in to ensure that those in need did not go hungry. They did not have the disposable income to stock up. The prospect for them was frightening and real – and they were often people who until recently held down steady jobs but were just one paycheck away from a crisis.
For more than 50 years, St Giles has been there for people who fall through society’s safety net. We’ve helped people experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, long- term unemployment and young people involved in or at risk of exploitation by criminal gangs.
We passionately believe everyone is capable of creating a better future for themselves if they’re given the right support. Today, we help more than 20,000 people across the UK and our services are in increasing demand. Throughout the first lockdown, St Giles delivered 83,000 healthy, nourishing meals to 700 people. In order to meet a growing demand for food support we established a network of Pantries in Leeds, London and Coventry to offer food and other support.
The Pantries charge a weekly fee of £ 3.50 to each person who then chooses food just as they would in any shop. The food is fresh, nutritious and high quality and St Giles’s staff are there to help people with the issues underlying their situation.
We have a passionate belief that people who have overcome adversity are the best ones to help others and offer training and support to empower those we help to become professionally trained caseworkers. They become living proof that positive change is possible. Our aim is that after six months, people will no longer need to use the Pantries but will have a sustainable route out of poverty. Moving a family out of poverty in six months is an ambitious goal. But we know that with the right care, guidance and determination it’s possible.
We see food as a motivator that helps people overcome other problems in their lives. People who were in freefall have been helped back into employment. Young care leavers struggling with depression are now pursuing college and careers. Pensioners have formed support bubbles and swapped recipes. Families have been brought closer together making homemade pizza from ingredients brought at the Pantry.
But St Giles knows there are thousands who also need help. At the start of the first lockdown, some of our teams saw their caseloads treble overnight. Domestic abuse was a terrifying reality. Others who had gained independence with our support
returned. We were able to steer most back on track – but we’re only scratching the surface.
This is why we are asking Daily Express readers to dig deep and help St Giles provide 50,000 meals across the UK to people who would otherwise be facing hunger and desperation.
Just £ 5 can feed a family for five days. But the added extra in the basket is the care, advice and support that each person will benefit from to help them overcome obstacles they face. For £ 25 we can provide food and one- to- one practical and emotional support to help move people out of poverty for good.
IT IS a scandal that in a First World country people of all ages are going hungry. But it doesn’t need to be this way. We have it in our power to make a change. As we emerge from this terrifying pandemic, if we take one thing from this dark time it must be that we have a once- in- a- lifetime opportunity to change society.
Text PANTRY to 70460 to donate £ 5. ( Texts cost £ 5 plus one standard rate message). Or you can find more information at stgilestrust. org. uk
‘ Moving a family out of poverty in six months is ambitious but possible’