Submitted by colette.bradley... on
The work carried out by our member organisations to tackle the impact of food poverty never ceases to amazes us. Here we're delighted to showcase how Rochdale based Army of Kindness are making a huge difference to the lives of vulnerable and homeless people.
Their Winter Season evening food kitchen, funded partly from our Rochdale Communities Fund Food Solutions Grants, provides free, hot meals each Thursday between 5pm and 6:30pm for those who are homeless, vulnerable or in need at St Andrews Methodist And United Reformed Church.
Around 100 people are currently accessing the service every week, including more than 25 vulnerable families who, in addition to the free winter meals, are receiving food parcels from Army of Kindness thanks to donations that the charity receives from Coalition of Kindness.
Last week, The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale visited Army of Kindness to see their kitchen in action and were impressed to see how much of a positive impact the group is having.
Army of Kindness will continue their free hot food offer throughout the festive period, including Christmas Day from 12pm-4pm. The normal Thursday evening kitchen operates on a walk-in basis for anyone who may require their services, however, to attend on Christmas Day please book your place your place by calling Sheraz on: 07940 470705 or email: sheraz@armyofkindness.co.uk
We caught up with Mohammed Sheraz from Army of Kindness to reflect on their wonderful project and how the Rochdale Communities Fund had enabled them to continue their free, Thursday hot meal offer;
"Army of Kindness would like to thank Action Together for this funding, it is going to enable us to continue to provide extra meals and food as we face an increasing demand for our service.
We are currently seeing lots of families attending now, along with their children, just for the most basic of needs - a hot meal and a hot drink.
We are so grateful for this grant as it is such a lifeline for so many of the families, and referrals we are working with in Rochdale during this winter period. Thank you again!"
You can learn more about our Rochdale Communities Fund Food Solutions Grants, and the projects that have benefitted from the latest round of funding here: www.actiontogether.org.uk/rochdale-communities-fund-food-solutions-grants
Can you help?
Army of Kindness is also currently running its Winter Appeal, and you could make a real difference with your donation. The charity are calling for donations, in new or excellent condition, of warm hats, gloves, scarves, coats, jumpers, hoodies and sanitary products. If you can help, please drop off at St Andrews Church (next to Leisure Centre), Entwisle Road, Rochdale OL16 2HZ on Thursdays between 4:30pm and 6:30pm.
Food Support Signposting in Rochdale Borough
Rochdale's Food Solution Network are working hard to ensure food security exists so all people, at all times, have physical access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food.
In partnership with current food providers, Rochdale Council and Action Together have developed this signposting resource that will help groups, individuals and families get access to food in the borough.
Should you need any further information and support around food, please contact: development@actiontogether.org.uk