Inspired by the peaceful action that's starting on Mother's Day (when a group of mums from all walks of life will go on hunger strike outside the Houses of Parliament, to raise awareness of the plight and injustice of people going hungry - https://www.mothermanifesto.com/), we are raising money to support mums and families in our local community who are experiencing hardship.

Through local Food Banks and South Dartmoor Community Energy, the money raised will go towards supplying families with essential food supplies, heating and electricity.

The hunger strike will take place for 6 days, that's 144 hours or 18 meals... for many people around the world, including in the UK, food insecurity is a longer term struggle.

It's easy to go about our daily lives, oblivious to hardship felt by others so close to home. This is an opportunity to provide some support and raise awareness.

Thank you for contributing.

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Stepping Stones Totnes CIC runs the Totnes Food Bank with a team of volunteers, providing food and essentials, as well as hot fresh vegan soup to people in the TQ9 area. We work with our referred clients to connect them with organisations and people who can help guide them back to independence.  We help out local schools, pay-what-you-feel cafés, emergency food boxes at locations in town and regional refugee aid work in association with other food security organisations. We run the TQ9 Community Food Club which offers affordable groceries to help anyone in need during the cost of living crisis - a way of receiving help with dignity. We also offer anti-isolation activity groups such as mindful crafting and anxiety management.

South Dartmoor Community Energy provides advice, practical support and crisis funding for households in fuel poverty within the South Hams. We have been busier than ever this winter, supporting families struggling to cope with the sharp increase in fuel prices across the last year, meaning many are unable to run their heating or afford to keep their power on. Many households are making impossible decisions between food and fuel and finding their income does not stretch to cover the essentials. We also seek to reduce the carbon footprint of households and improve the energy efficiency of the home as much as possible.

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