Every day families living in south Islington and struggling with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic approach St Lukes for help. Many were already struggling financially before the pandemic but many more have now lost their jobs and are living in crisis. And while we can all identify with the challenges of lockdown, most of us do this with food in the fridge and stocked cupboards. Islington already has one of the highest numbers of children living in poverty in the country, and lockdown has undoubtedly magnified that.

St Lukes Food Connections opened in April 2020 in response to local food poverty and is the only source of donations in south Islington for families struggling to afford the basics. Since the start of the pandemic we have distributed almost 70 tonnes of donated food and support over 100 local households every week with emergency food supplies. Demand for this service has always been high but, worryingly, the numbers keep increasing.

Can you help us buy items including fresh fruit, vegetables, nappies and toiletries to share with those in crisis? A donation of just £25 will fund a bag of essential items, keeping a family afloat for at least one week.

And while food bags give immediate relief, St Lukes also offers long term support with access to benefits and debt advice, employment support and crisis grants. We know we can make a difference and together we will get through these difficult days as a community.

Thank you so much for your support.