Food bank launches fundraising challenge over Lent and Ramadan

A food bank is set to launch a campaign throughout Lent and Ramadan which aims to raise funds to support its vital services.

Oasis Hub Waterloo, part of Lambeth Foodbanks, is appealing to the community to take part in its challenge What One Thing? this March and April.

People are encouraged to pick one thing to give up either on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, and donate the money saved to the Lambeth Foodbanks.

Some people have already committed to go without their morning coffee or a shop-bought lunch, others might choose not to buy an unnecessary item.

This year, Lent and Ramadan overlap. Lent begins on March 5, and runs until April 19 whilst Ramadan is expected to start on February 28, running for 29 days.

A spokeswoman for Lambeth Foodbanks said: “For many Christians and Muslims, this period provides an opportunity to develop self-control through fasting and to learn more about compassion and showing generosity to the most disadvantaged in society.

“We are inviting the community to use this time to take stock of what they have and consider how they might share it with others to build a stronger, more resilient community.”

In the last year alone, Lambeth Foodbanks provided more than 27,000 emergency food parcels, of which 36 per cent were delivered to households with children. 

A spokeswoman for Lambeth Foodbanks said: “Providing a food parcel is only ever a short-term option, and so the Lambeth Foodbanks aim to support people to identify and resolve the root causes of their food poverty.”

Anyone can take part in the challenge at a level which suits them.

To take part in the appeal, visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/whatonething 

Pictured top: Lambeth Foodbanks provided more than 27,000 emergency food parcels last year (Picture:Eleanor Bentall)