Food Provision Mission at King's Community Church
WRITTEN BY ali duncan
King’s Community Church has been providing food support to our community for over ten years. Biblically, we believe that within the very DNA of the Church lies the mission to provide for, engage with, and live alongside our community. In Luke 14:12–14, Jesus doesn’t simply call us to serve those experiencing poverty—He calls us to share life with them.
By 2024, it had become clear that rising food poverty and the ongoing financial crisis were placing significant strain on local families. Many individuals were collecting referral-based food parcels for extended periods, sometimes for months at a time. To offer a meaningful step out of food poverty, we recognised the need for a more sustainable approach—one that upholds dignity, encourages independence, and provides ongoing support.
After much prayer and discussion, we launched a new Food Pantry within the Acacia Room, operating every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Pantry provides free fruit and vegetables, alongside a choice of 16 food items. It also takes a holistic approach, offering invitations to connect with Energy Advisors, Social Prescribers, and, of course, the Church community itself.
This provision has been very well received, and we now support an average of 25 families per session. Many of our visitors have asked why we provide this service, giving us the privilege of hearing their stories, praying with them, and journeying alongside them. We are delighted that around eight families are now regularly attending church as a result of these connections.
The Food Pantry, operating under a six-month contract, runs alongside our Food Bank, which continues to operate on Mondays (a free referral-based provision for up to six visits).
As we approach the Christmas season, we are especially grateful for your continued support. Our current needs are:
By 2024, it had become clear that rising food poverty and the ongoing financial crisis were placing significant strain on local families. Many individuals were collecting referral-based food parcels for extended periods, sometimes for months at a time. To offer a meaningful step out of food poverty, we recognised the need for a more sustainable approach—one that upholds dignity, encourages independence, and provides ongoing support.
After much prayer and discussion, we launched a new Food Pantry within the Acacia Room, operating every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Pantry provides free fruit and vegetables, alongside a choice of 16 food items. It also takes a holistic approach, offering invitations to connect with Energy Advisors, Social Prescribers, and, of course, the Church community itself.
This provision has been very well received, and we now support an average of 25 families per session. Many of our visitors have asked why we provide this service, giving us the privilege of hearing their stories, praying with them, and journeying alongside them. We are delighted that around eight families are now regularly attending church as a result of these connections.
The Food Pantry, operating under a six-month contract, runs alongside our Food Bank, which continues to operate on Mondays (a free referral-based provision for up to six visits).
As we approach the Christmas season, we are especially grateful for your continued support. Our current needs are:
- Prayer – for our team, our visitors, and the ongoing mission of the Food Centre.
- Food stock – details of current needs can be found in our newsletter and donation lists.
- Fresh orders – if any family would like to provide a monthly fresh food order, it would be an enormous blessing. For more details please contact foodcentre.hedgeend@kingscommunitychurch.co.uk