Diocese of Chichester

Pictured: Rev Laura Darrall with Grace and Charlie Sims, The Pantry founders.

Rustington is a vibrant coastal village in West Sussex, but you could be blissfully unaware of the deprivation and despair that had been steadily growing, as local people, affected by the rising food and energy prices, struggled to survive the cost-of-living crisis.

The Trussell Trust saw record numbers of people seeking help between April and September last year, with 320,000 people forced to turn to the charity’s food banks. That is a 40 per cent increase in comparison to the previous year. (source: The Big Issue)

But, God is clearly on the move in the Church, helping people navigate through these difficult times.

Strong partnerships and building relationships have been the key to dispelling the stigma around using food banks.

Husband and wife team, Grace and Charlie Sims, were instrumental in setting up The Pantry. “Whilst at the beginning we thought that we would be handing out bags of food, said Grace. It has become much more than that. Our mantra from the start was to, ‘Welcome everyone and don't judge’. We have got to know our Pantry users, they’re our neighbours and our friends. They open their lives to us, they ask for prayer, for fellowship and some have also started coming to Church services.

“At Georgian Gardens School, the need was identified but the stigma of using a food Pantry was a huge barrier until two wonderful volunteers came along, Ann and Alex, who changed things around. They pour out their love and kindness to everyone who comes to the School Pantry which now serves approximately 25 families every week.

“God keeps multiplying our food supplies: our Church parishioners continue to give dried foods on a weekly basis and there are collection points in the village shops for local people to drop off supplies. The village has certainly come together to share their provisions.

“Our Pantry users are grateful to Rustington shops for all they are doing to get them through these tough times:Willow and Eve provide good quality pre-loved clothing, Wadsworth provides fresh fruit and vegetable donations, COOK shop gives a selection of healthy ready meals and the Butcher and Deli has been instrumental in raising funds to ensure our Pantry users regularly receive fresh meat and cheese.

“People have been incredibly generous and we have been awarded grants from our local council. We started off with a handful of volunteers and we now have twenty-three dedicated volunteers who give their time and share their gifts to reach out to our community in need.

“We now provide our Pantry users the opportunity, in a calendar month, to attend three coffee mornings and a Pantry Social on one afternoon where they can enjoy a hot meal, craft activity and time to get to know each other and our Church.

“A lady who has been using the Pantry since it opened in October 2021 recently said, “Since coming to the Pantry things have happened to me. They say God works in mysterious ways and I believe that now. I remember when I didn’t have washing powder and one of the volunteers said, “I have washing powder for you”. Then I had holes in my socks then we went to the Pantry and there were some socks going free. This might be a coincidence but I’m starting to believe it's God.”

Eighteen months on, St. Peter and St. Paul Pantry has become a community hub for local people and is now at the stage where representatives from charities attend the Pantry Socials once a month to give valuable information and advice. Recent visits have been made by Christians Against Poverty, Citizens Advice Bureau and Southern Water.

“Our vicar, Rev. Natalie Loveless, visits the schools and spends time with the Pantry clients. As a result she is considered a trusted presence and a provider of a safe space for people to open up and share their experiences.

“Our curate, Rev. Laura Darrall, also volunteers at the Pantry once a month. People recognise our Church leaders as approachable people who care about them and who want to spend time with them.

“The feedback from all sides is a testament to God’s grace: those who give food tell us how much it means to them to know they are doing something practical to help their neighbours. The Pantry volunteers tell of the sense of purpose the Pantry gives to their lives. One of our volunteers said, “I want to come every week, this is the best thing I’ve ever done. It’s what community and church should be about.” The Pantry users who receive food, kindness, and spiritual support feel they are a valued part of the community. We thank God for all he is doing in our Church, and we continue to be led by Him as we navigate through these difficult times.”

Rev Natalie said ‘We are all hugely grateful for all the love that Charlie and Grace have poured into this project, which comes from the heart. The Pantry demonstrates how much the whole community cares about one another and they have used their gifts and experience with great generosity to serve God and neighbour.’

The big Issue (20 Feb) reported how the UK’s rate of food poverty is among the worst in Europe. As the cost of living crisis makes it harder for people to afford to eat.

Millions are being pushed below the breadline as food prices soar, with many struggling to feed themselves and their families.

Food prices increased by 16.7 per cent in the 12 months up to January 2023. That is a 45-year high, with the costs of essentials rising at exceptionally high rates.

The Trussell Trust saw record numbers of people seeking help between April and September last year, with 320,000 people forced to turn to the charity’s food banks. That is a 40 per cent increase in comparison to the previous year.

The charity has warned that need is outstripping donations for the first time in its history – forcing the Trussell Trust to launch an emergency appeal to ensure that food banks can meet the “alarming level” of need in their community.

Meanwhile, over 89 per cent of independent food banks reported increased need for their services in December 2022 compared with December 2021.(Source: The big Issue)