Support your local community larder: How to take action as a small business
As we approach the end of the year and participate in Giving Tuesday, a global campaign that promotes generosity, it's the perfect time to highlight the incredible work of local community projects and volunteers in our local area and learn as a small business how you can get involved.
Today, I want to share the inspiring story of a group of volunteers at St Philips Church in Tunbridge Wells and how your business can make a difference.
Tunbridge Wells may be an affluent town, but it has nine larders and one food bank dedicated to helping families who can't afford to put food on the table. Despite being the 13th largest tax contributor in the UK, there are areas in Tunbridge Wells that fall within the 'most deprived' bracket. The wealth divide is significant in Tunbridge Wells.
St Philips Church larder serves around 250 people every week, with most coming from Sherwood, an area just half an hours walk from the town centre, and a notable percentage being Ukrainian refugees. I discovered their wonderful community larder project a month ago when I noticed the long queues from the roadside and spoke to the vicar to find out how we can help.
Unlike food banks, St Philips Church larder doesn't screen visitors based on need. Anyone can access food by paying a small fee of £4. Demand for food keeps rising, coupled with food inflation, resulting in the larder spending £1,000 more each month than it receives in income. With rising demand, and the church serving a financially challenged community, the church needs to raise £14,000 in 2024 or consider raising prices, which would impact those in need. The larder, like many community food programs, constantly struggles to secure adequate funding.
Considering the current economic climate, the need for St Philips Church larder is only growing. Increased inflation and the cost of living will likely push more families into food poverty. It's crucial for us to support our local community larders in any way possible. Whether you're a business owner or a member of the community, there are numerous ways to get involved.
How can you help as a business
One impactful way to support St Phillips Church larder is through financial donations. Every contribution matters and can ensure that families in need have access to nutritious food during the challenging Christmas season.
Chris Gerry from The Community Larder team at St Phillips commented:
“We really appreciate any financial contributions as without these we would have to close. At this time there is a real need to help people who are struggling in Tunbridge Wells.”
Sharp Thinking Marketing will be supporting this important project this year and making a financial contribution. You too can donate as a business by sending a cheque to the church or making a bank transfer through emailing office@stphilipstw.co.uk.
You could also host a fundraising event. Hosting charity events involving your staff, suppliers, and clients is great idea that brings everyone together for an important cause whilst having fun and boosting morale at the same time. Another meaningful way to support local community larders is through volunteering. Your time is just as valuable as a financial donation.
You can also make a difference by spreading the word and sharing this post. Raising awareness can truly make an impact.
Support your local larders
Larders like St Philips Church are essential for the well-being of our communities. They provide a lifeline for those struggling to put food on the table and demonstrate what we can achieve when we come together and support one another. Let's make it a priority this year to support our local larders. Whether through donations or volunteering, we can all play a role in creating a brighter future for those in need.
Thank you for spending the time reading this post. Please remember to like and share this post to increase awareness of community projects like St Philips Church Community Larder.