Saturday Brunch programme tackles food poverty
Tony was homeless, living in the back of a trailer in Rayleigh and battling several addictions when he heard about the Saturday Brunch project from a council receptionist in Rayleigh, who also gave him shoes and a coat.
That weekend he walked over to Hawkwell Church in Rochford in the pouring rain, where he was given a full English breakfast, as well as food and clothes from the Church charity shop to take home. The Church’s minister, Richard Iles, later took Tony to meet the Council housing team and he was provided with temporary accommodation.
Rochford Council Hawkwell Baptist Church and Rochford Methodist Church, set up the free meal provision service with the help of volunteers and donations to support those living in food poverty. Tesco and Waitrose are both donating food to support the services.
The free meals run at:
- Hawkwell Baptist Church, Rectory Road, Rochford on a Saturday morning, between 10.00 -11.00.
- Rochford Methodist church, North Street, Rochford on a Wednesday lunchtime, between 12.00 - 1.00.
Rochford District Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Community, Cllr Mike Webb said: "In Rochford we know that, through no fault of their own, some individuals and families are struggling to make ends meet. This is a welcome response from the church and the community to seek to help those in need in a very practical way, by providing free meals."
Last updated 12/11/2018
“This is the most help that I have ever had, the church here (in Hawkwell) has helped, and the council has helped as well. Without the support from Hawkwell Baptist Church I wouldn’t be where I am now. I’ve been treated like part of the family and I will need ongoing help and support to change which I know I can get from the church, and will keep going there always.”