As we celebrate the blessing of harvest, Eve and David Cragg-James from Ampleforth Benefice have been reflecting on the importance of supporting Middlesbrough Food Bank, a vital lifeline for so many in the Diocese of Middlesbrough.
Over the last eleven months, total deliveries to the Middlesbrough Food Bank from both Ampleforth Benefice and Ampleforth Hub/ Easingwold Hub combined have included 1704kg of goods and £2,598 in monetary donations, making them the Food Bank’s largest regular private donor.
Even and David said: “At a Justice & Peace Group meeting at Our Lady and St Benedict’s in January 2013, it was decided to try to help relieve Food Poverty locally within the Middlesbrough Diocese. Middlesbrough Food Bank was chosen because of the level of child poverty there (the fourth highest in the country, now 52%.) The first delivery took place in March 2013 and carried donations from all the churches in the valley, from St John’s, Easingwold and from generous individuals with an interest in Justice and Peace, boosted later by occasional donations from Ampleforth College and St Benedict’s Primary School.
“In 2020 when COVID caused suspension of normal activities, the late Peter Allen and his wife, Sue, maintained quarterly collections from the Ampleforth Benefice, over a period of 14 months, privately supported by us, providing not just food and financial donations, but hope and a vital lifeline in a time of crisis. Through them the Ampleforth Benefice has continued the quarterly appeals, a joint venture with the ‘Ampleforth Hub’, where we resumed monthly collections in January 22 with great support and encouragement from Fr Kentigern, the Hub based in St Benedict’s Church and supported by Saint John’s, Easingwold.
“Covid changed the way people wanted to support the Middlesbrough Food Bank, and for some the preference remains to donate on-line, making a generous contribution to the charity to facilitate the purchase of goods delivered direct to the warehouse. Despite a consequent reduction in volume of food and toiletries, we feel our action is still very worthwhile, as over the last eleven months our total deliveries to the Middlesbrough Food Bank, both Benefice and Ampleforth Hub/Easingwold combined, are as follows: goods 1704.23 kg; cheques £896 and cash 1702.
“We are told that we are now the largest regular private donor and all donations are gladly and gratefully received by Tracey, the manager, and her band of cheerful volunteers!”
If you would like to support Middlesbrough Food Bank please contact Fr Kentigern or contact the Middlesbrough Food Bank directly via their website: https://middlesbrough.foodbank.org.uk/contact-us/
