Church in Fordingbridge offering Keep Warm Lunches
It's open to everyone, no matter what faith
Last updated 15th Dec 2022
As the cold weather bites, a local church in Fordingbridge is offering free lunches for those who are struggling through the cost of living crisis
Our Lady of Sorrows & St Philip Benizi is offering a warm space every Thursday, for those in need to pop in and enjoy unlimited tea or coffee, as we as a soup lunch with bread.
It's been organised by John Elliott, a member of the church, he says, "We felt that in the current economic situation, where people are struggling, that we should do something to try to help those who were in some sort of difficulty.
"I called a small meeting to get a group of volunteers together, and 25 people volunteered; which for a small community is quite a lot of people."
It's entirely free, thanks to donations from members of the church and the wider community. They have also received a small amount of money from the local council, which allows them to buy food and drinks.
The church says that it has been popular, and they are hoping that the idea can be replicated in other parts of the country.
John added,
"It's a great way of getting together with friends and other people, and having a few hours when you don't have to worry about the cost of running the heating.
"What we would very much like to do is to encourage other people, wherever they are in the country, to do the same sort of thing."
It starts from 11am every Thursday throughout winter, and is open to everyone - from all faiths to those who don't have any faith.