Continuing to serve up to 200 meals a day, 7 days a week!

As with last week, we are continuing to serve up to 200 meals a day, 7 days a week. A large group of volunteers are working tirelessly in the kitchen to produce a great variety of nutritious and wholesome meals based on the food generously donated by local supermarkets, businesses and individuals. The volunteers enjoy feeling part of a caring family doing their best in such difficult times. Friday lunchtimes offering was soup and corned beef hash with salmon and macaroni cheese for the evening meal!

It’s not just food donations that we are receiving, but also clothes, sleeping bags and hygiene products. Our clients are so grateful for these. Some of the adults we see may have somewhere to stay, but may not have the essentials to live, eat, sleep or stay clean – all basic needs that no one should have to go without.

Thanks this week go to My Deli Bakery, Pizza GoGo, STE Group Newhaven, Church of Latter Day Saints, Community Hub, Fairshare, Morrisons, Sainsburys, M&S and Asda for donations.

On Sundays, in partnership with Street Pastors we have been able to provide pastoral care and prayer for those who would like it.

We’ve been so pleased to be able to support Absolute Angels and Food4Thought at a time when their volunteer numbers have reduced due to many having to self-isolate. It allows them to keep being able to provide evening meals on Thursdays and Fridays to those in need. This change of venue from the Town Centre to Brodie Hall (the Matthew25 base), has allowed social distancing measures to be put into place and provide a safe environment for everyone.

As well as the good news stories, there are many struggles. This week, a member of the public spat at one of our keyworkers and was later arrested. We also have staff that spend most of the day on the phone trying to find housing and the additional support needed for our vulnerable community.

With the shop closed and with a 50% increase in workload it is a difficult time for us all, so thank you again to everyone who is supporting us and please stay safe.