FREE MEAL, FULL HEARTS - Reading

Life can be hard at the best of times but for many people, particularly since the world changed in 2020 - it can sometimes feel impossible.

Feeding yourself and your family is a basic but essential human necessity but unfortunately far too many people in the Reading area are skipping meals and going hungry because they simply can't afford to eat. I can only imagine this must be particularly heartbreaking if you're a parent who is unable to feed your children.

The Reading community has shown time and time again that when faced with challenges or adversities, we come together. The camaraderie, generosity and positivity around us every day is overwhelming.

I wanted to create this group so there is a anonymous platform where people (single, couples or families) can reach out and ask for meals should they need to, without judgement.

I know that when feeding my family there is always left overs which tend to be disposed of in the bin. It's such a waste - imagine giving someone that meal and stopping them and their family from going hungry?

HOW IT WORKS:

IF YOU NEED HELP

- Message myself (Sarah Jayne Murphy, founder / admin) Rachel Knight or Carmel Sheils Lepine (admin) anonymously. Remember to include any dietary requirements or allergies and how many people require a meal

- I will then post in this group (with details of allergies etc and how many meals is ideally required) It's then up to us as volunteers to offer our support and plate up the surplus food from our own meals that day, donate cupboard / freezer supplies or anything else that anyone might be in need of.

- Ideally, the donation would be dropped off by the volunteer themselves confidentially. Door drop offs are of course advised

- If you have seen someone advertise a donation and you are interested in receiving that meal / donation, message admin stating your interest. I will then liaise with both parties to arrange delivery. This is done on a first come, first served basis.

VOLUNTEERS

- Simply join this group and keep your eyes peeled for updates and requirements

- If you have surplus food from dinner and can donate, please put a post in this group detailing the ingredients used and how many portions you have (and potentially a photo!)

- Please spread the word, the more people who know about this group - the more successful it will be and more people that can be helped

* This is a strictly non-profit group and anyone part-taking either as a volunteer or receiver does so at their own risk *

Negativity, trolling or rude behaviour of any description will not be tolerated and anyone found to be breaking this rule or being disrespectful in anyway will be exited from the group and blocked.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2706075086275717/?ref=share

This is a safe place.