With weekly food shops getting more expensive and the ever-increasing cost of fuel, we’re all feeling the squeeze. But for some families across the UK, the situation is more urgent now than ever.
Community Groceries now help over 35,000 people keep their families fed – 24,182 more than this time last year. We’re determined to turn no one away so that members get access to the fresh, affordable food and support they need, whilst also hearing the good news of Jesus too.
Fay had just moved to Bolton when The Mill Community Grocery opened nearby. Having heard about the store, and not knowing how she was going to cope with the growing cost of food, she went along on opening day, signing up to become a member as soon as she found out about the support they could offer her.
‘The Community Grocery helps make my money go further, so now I can feed my family. I love coming – the food is fantastic; there’s so much choice and it’s run by such lovely people.
‘It wasn’t until I had Covid that I realised how much I relied on the Community Grocery and how it helped me with money. When I couldn’t get to the store to do my shop, the difference the grocery makes really hit me.
‘And the team go above and beyond. Last Christmas, I was given an amazing hamper full of food that we enjoyed for weeks – it was a real lifesaver. It meant I could give my kids the Christmas they deserve and that none of us went hungry! But this place is about more than just food for me. There’s so much wrap-around support available too.
‘I’ve been coming along to lots of courses. The cookery course taught me how to cook with some of the ingredients available in store and I’ve also been to the CAP Money Management course which has been life-changing. During one of the sessions, I had a lightbulb moment that changed how I think about money and that gave me tips I can use every day. It’s going to help me so much this winter when things are tighter than ever.
‘As I got to know the grocery team, they invited me along to church and when I went, I felt so welcome and at home. Off the back of this, I now go along to the Alpha course at the grocery and I find this really special because I’m learning more about faith, and it’s helping me get the answers to the questions that my children are asking me about God too.
‘It’s amazing to watch my kids find out more about Jesus. They’ve started coming along to church with me and love it so much that they count down the days to Sunday. They then go to school and tell their friends what they’ve been learning. And I’m growing so much in my faith too that I’m about to get baptised!
‘The grocery is an absolute God-send for me. Coming in store, I feel welcome and so at ease. It’s a brilliant community. I feel at home here and I’m getting the support that I need to help me and my family through a desperate situation this Christmas.’
As demand for the Community Groceries grows, we need help to keep our shelves stocked this Christmas and beyond, so no one goes hungry.
Can you help us by giving to our Big Christmas foodraiser and help families like Fay’s? To give today visit message.org.uk/christmas
