September Update from Gordon

It’s that time again. Another increase in our workload this month. Our parcels were up by 56% compared to the same month last year (See our report on our website for more information). It makes sad reading, but also makes us realise that what we are doing is so important, just by the reaction from those we serve.

It’s very humbling and blessed thing to listen to people about their situations and we are so privileged to be able to help. But without all our family of supporters who literally buy into what our ministry is, we are not going to get far and for that we are so so grateful.

Nearly 20 years ago, I never imagined we would have gone from maybe 4 parcels a month (and that was sometimes hard to give away), to an average of 745 over the last 4 months. That statistic is staggering and so sad for those caught up in food poverty and it’s going up every month. We can’t solve the issues in the country, but we can continue to do all we can to help.

To be in the 700’s a month was not something we saw coming. We had a shock when Mays figure of 705 came in, but it has gone up since. We need support to carry on what we do. Support with food is important, but what makes the most difference is finance, so we can buy in bulk and maybe save in the process. We are always grateful for any help we get.

The premises situation is still simmering along. There is nothing to say on that subject, but we are still hopeful to secure separate funding to buy it and then develop it for our needs and also a community space to extend our ministry to others.

People often ask for us to share stories or situations regarding our clients and how they have been helped by us. What we do is very personal and sometimes embarrassing to some (which it should never be) and for that reason we hold back. But if you are a person we have helped and you want to share your situation that we helped with (anonymously if you would prefer), please email admin@theneedproject.org and we will share it for no other reason but to encourage others to seek help.

The other side of what we do is the drop in top up shop or the best before items we get from supermarkets. This is very busy in all our places we operate it from, Stotfold, Sandy and Shefford. The best before food is given away responsibly to anyone. You don’t have to be referred as if you don’t come and take it, it will go to landfill and that would be a shame. So anyone can come and take items.

Our day with the Stotfold Walking Market sale on Bank Holiday Monday was a brilliant success. We raised over £800.00 and met many lovey people, some who went away with some great bargains.

We are always open for a chat or if you want to see what we do, please let us know and it would be good to see you.

Anyway, till next time. Praise God always and thank you very much.

Gordon