Boxes of Love

The team got involved because, while the Pantry Partnership have regular donations of fresh fruit and vegetables from Waitrose and other local suppliers, they are unable to cook as a team due to the social distancing measures.

So instead, they decided to work with the St Paul's community team and others to ensure that the food gets to people who need it most.

This meant that last week, the Church team were able to make up 25 boxes of fruit and veg and deliver them to needy families on the Wednesday, with a further 63 people receiving boxes on the Thursday.

Donations have helped to add a couple of Easter treats into the boxes. Sarum College donated an Easter Egg for every child and Roly’s Fudge donated all of their fudge they are currently unable to sell making the fresh fruit and veg boxes into delicious Easter Hampers!

Community Pastor Kerry Badger said:

"It has been an amazing opportunity, we have all been very busy, but actually it has been an absolute thrill to be part of what God is doing in our City. We have had our son and future daughter-in-law with us and it has been great to sort the food as a family. It has been fun and cut down contact with other people.

"We have also been working as a church family, we have been able to supply boxes to Harnham All Saints for their vulnerable families and St Francis. I thank God and give him all the glory because we have the opportunity to provide for some of the most vulnerable families in our city and I love the way He cares for them.

"This is just the start, and we are talking with the council about how we can continue to develop this to best serve our city. Alongside the food deliveries, the 40 volunteers from St Paul’s church are continuing to supporting vulnerable people over the telephone and pick up prescriptions and shopping for the isolated."