Local foodbanks are providing emergency food assistance to
record numbers of people in our city.
How can we help?
Birmingham Vineyard’s Foodbank - An Update
Thanks to the generosity of the church community, Foodbank gives away an average of 850 food & toiletry bags a year through our partner agencies. We recently heard from a staff at W.A.I.T.S, one of our partner agencies who work with women who have been victims of domestic violence:
“I’m a single mum and am going through cancer treatment. My support worker dropped of a Foodbank bag from your church, and it means so much to me and my three children.”
During this coronavirus lockdown period, we are still working with our over 15 partner agencies, and we are endeavouring to support agencies and individuals with our remaining supplies. We’ve also noticed a shift in where the need lies for Foodbank support. While we are not physically meeting together as a church in centralised locations, we’d like to encourage you to continue to extend your generosity to your local foodbanks who are serving many desperate people during this time.
Your Local Foodbank
Foodbanks in the city are running short of food and volunteers, while the number of people desperate for food is soaring.
It is an amazing opportunity for our church to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our own local area, serving with the grassroots groups and local Foodbanks who have organised and are meeting needs of our own neighbours!
Would you take some time to consider how you might get involved with a local foodbank or community group?
How To Help:
You can start with a simple Google search for foodbanks or groups in your area that are meeting needs during this time of crisis. Here are some groups that are actively looking for donations and volunteers:
Trussell Trust - There are 15 Trussell Trust foodbanks in the city that provide emergency food and support to people in need. Birmingham Vineyard regularly issues vouchers to individuals to use these foodbanks and continue to do so during the lockdown. Check out their website for details on how to partner with your local foodbank through the Trussell Trust: https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-involved/
Active Wellbeing Society - This organisation are jointly working with partner organisations across the city to support those most in need during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. There are many volunteer opportunities including food parcel delivery driver, phone befriending service to isolated and vulnerable people, helping pet walk for those unable to leave home, and emergency food & essentials service. More info on their website: https://theaws.co.uk/coronavirus/
West Midlands Support Hub- If you're looking to offer your help (or find support) during the Coronavirus outbreak, the WMCA Community Support Hub is here to help. A database complete with food and essentials resources, mental health support and more: https://beta.wmca.org.uk/the-mayor/community-support-hub/
Birmingham Community Solidarity - A grassroots Facebook group which connects people in need with people who want to help. Check out the group for more info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3234138479933658/
They also have a form you can fill out to get you connected to your local community champion, who will let you know how to help: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1q6uMNgRwm_LmwnrY7XpDuu9cXpmbfPvw0aaV9BQQktE/viewform?fbclid=IwAR2kShaI-3PGLlM_bB40Z9Jlo5z7z2pkH4aBYL5lQvj1tvqcu2aBf2j6m3g&edit_requested=true
In the coming months…
To be really clear, Birmingham Vineyard Foodbank remains open and serving our partner agencies. We anticipate that in the coming months, when the city re-opens, that our agencies will be busier than ever and we will be letting you know about the best ways to get involved with those needs.
In the meantime we encourage you to stay local, get involved with what’s happening on your street, in your area, and use this time to connect with your neighbours in need, offering the love and truth of Jesus.
If you have any questions about Birmingham Vineyard Foodbank, contact Helen at helenp@birminghamvineyard.com.
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to act.
Do not say to your neighbor,
“Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—
when you already have it with you.”