Newsletter - 29th May 2022
North Enfield Food Bank
Since June 2014 I have administered the collection of non-perishable food in the parish and its transport to the food bank. I have also been the personal contact for the receipt of cash and cheque donations.
Even before the current crisis in food cost inflation and the ever mounting cost of domestic fuel there was a demand for food banks to provide for the needy. There has always been a section of society, some of whom are in full time employment, who have turned to food banks for essential food. The majority are suffering hardship through no fault of their own.
The food bank in Lumina Way, off Lincoln Road, Enfield is overseen by the Trussell Trust. A nationally known poverty charity. The food bank is open each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between11am and 3pm for those in need of help as well as for those who deliver donations of food.
Needy individuals and families are turning increasingly to food banks for essential food. However, all food banks nationwide are strictly regulated. Potential clients must first obtain a voucher from an authorised referral agency such as a doctor, a health visitor or a social worker. Each voucher will provide a minimum three days of nutritionally balanced emergency food. However, the vouchers are not designed to meet long term needs. In addition, most food banks have facilities to enable their volunteers to discuss with clients their particular needs including debt advice.
The food bank manager provides a regular update regarding the amount of food donated in terms of kilos which is recorded as donations from The Church of Christ the King N14 4HE. I have a spreadsheet upon which I record the cash and cheques received from parishioners which are deposited directly on the food bank's bank account. Some £8,500.00 since March 2020. Prior to the onset of COVID-19 cash donations were used to purchase multiples of particular non-perishable foods currently in need by the food bank. Pasta, tinned vegetables, tinned meat and UHT milk continue to be in demand. Between June 2014 and March 2020 with the onset of COVID-19 a total of £6,425.00 in cash donations was spent on food.
I am now ceasing the undertaking which I have described above and wish to hand on to another parishioner, or group of parishioners. To carry on the work which in a small way provides charitable assistance to needy individuals
and families.
Thank you for the support which I have received.
Kenneth Palmer
Focus of the Week
Pentecost Weekend
Pentecost Prayer Group
4 June 8.00 - 9.30pm
‘Come Holy Spirit’
To praise the Lord, welcome the Holy Spirit and sharing an opportunity for prayer Ministry.
All are welcome…
Pentecost Weekend
Parish Pentecost Party
Sunday 5 June 12.30 - 3.00pm
A bring and share gathering of food and drink, games and laughter to celebrate Pentecost as a Church Family and toast HM Elizabeth II on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee.