Cardinal Vincent Nichols is hosting a series of discussions on “food poverty” with representatives from parishes, schools and charities aimed at coordinating the Church’s response to what has been called a national crisis.
The talks, which include Caritas Westminster, St Vincent de Paul Society and the charity Magic Breakfasts, are focused on providing church support at grassroots level in Westminster Diocese for food banks and other support groups. Over 500,000 people have visited food banks since Easter last year. In February, Cardinal Nichols described the impact of the Government’s welfare reforms as “a disgrace” and added that increasing numbers of people were relying on food banks. Later that month, 27 Anglican bishops signed a letter blaming the Government for a “national crisis” demonstrated by the use of food banks.
The first discussion took place on 2 May, at which four food banks were represented from different parts of the Diocese of Westminster.
Cardinal Nichols said: “The care you show your neighbours reflects the truth that everyone is made in the image of God. Each one of us is uniquely loved by the God who has formed a covenant with us, the God who wills that each person should enjoy a dignified life. Food expresses powerfully this covenantal love of God. So when people suffer want of food, we feel a deep sense of abhorrence.”
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