Our Table's Gift
Organised by Durham CathedralRaising vital funds to support the Durham Foodbank, feeding thousands of people across County Durham facing food insecurity this Christmas.
Story
Food insecurity in the UK is rising. Homeless people and low-income households are amongst the most vulnerable, with some parents missing meals in order to feed their children. Indeed, anyone whose circumstances change abruptly may struggle to pay for what they need; in 2020, 16% of foodbank users were recently bereaved.
At Durham Cathedral, we have a collection point for Durham Foodbank, which has provided nearly eleven thousand 3-day emergency food parcels in the past year. Since foodbanks are now unable to meet increasing demand for their support from food donations alone, we are launching this Christmas appeal for funds.
Arriving recently at the Foodbank warehouse to deliver the donated food items from the Cathedral, I was shocked to see how empty the storage stacks were. However, the alternative donations of money made it possible to buy in the shortfall of 11,000 kg of the 24,970 kg of food required for that month. The number of people currently requiring food support in this region would fill three Durham Cathedrals! Donations to this appeal will give vital support to many. Thank you. Pat Francis, volunteer at Durham Foodbank.
Caring for people in our communities is at the heart of life at Durham Cathedral. We take inspiration from Jesus' teaching: "I was hungry and you gave me food... just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."
Sharing a meal is one of the great joys of this season. By making a monetary donation to our Christmas appeal this year, you will be giving the gift of food to an individual or family in our region - from your table to theirs.