Enfield Council is urging staff, residents and politicians to support the North Enfield Foodbank. The Council is linking this call to Mitzvah Day, on which by Jewish tradition people give their time to help others. This year Mitzvah Day falls on 27th November.
Not that people are short of food only on one day a year. Over the last year the foodbank gave 5,807 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis. The reduction in the "benefits cap" which is currently being introduced will mean that even more people will have to resort to the food bank.
North Enfield Foodbank is supported by the Trussell Trust. Between April and September 2016, Trussell Trust foodbanks across the UK distributed 519,342 three day emergency food supplies to people in crisis compared to 506,369 during the same period last year. 188,584 of these went to children.
David McAuley, Chief Executive of The Trussell Trust, comments: “As the number of emergency food parcels provided to people by foodbanks rises once again, it’s clear that more can be done to get people back on their feet faster. Many foodbanks now host independent welfare and debt advisers but they cannot solve all the issues. To stop UK hunger we must make sure the welfare system works fairly and compassionately, stopping people getting to a point where they have no money to eat."
Mitzvah Day plea to help the vulnerable
Enfield Council is backing Mitzvah Day 2016 and urging staff, residents and politicians to support the North Enfield Foodbank and help those in need.
A collection cage has been installed in the reception at Enfield Civic Centre in Silver Street, Enfield, where people can donate nonperishable food until 25 November,
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Community, Arts & Culture, Cllr Yasemin Brett, said: “We are asking staff, Members and residents to kindly donate whatever they can afford to help those who are less fortunate, so they can look forward to a happier, healthier Christmas with their families and friends.”
“Mitzvah Day is a Jewish tradition which encourages people to be helpful to others regardless of religion, race, age, political belief or gender.”
The North Enfield Food Bank is part of the Trussell Trust, a wide network of foodbanks across the country largely staffed by volunteers.
Cllr Brett added: “Participating in this campaign helps support our Enfield Heroes campaign and by donating food or other items you’ll certainly be a hero for at least one family.”
The foodbank is also looking for people who can assist in the office; help out with or put on events; become a Trussell Trust Ambassador; get involved in talks and publicity; or can help with maintenance/DIY. Anyone inspired to help at the food bank should email the team, or contact Kerry Coe on 07826 542119.
A Mitzvah is a commandment in Jewish law but it is often used to mean a good deed or an act of kindness and that is the basis for Mitzvah Day.
On Mitzvah Day, 27 November, participants give their time to make a difference to the community. They introduce people to social action, to their neighbours and to local charities setting up projects which address real needs. Led by the Jewish community, it brings people of all faiths together to build more cohesive neighbourhoods and to strengthen civil society.
Residents are being asked to donate the following non-perishable items:
- Baby food, milk, nappies and wipes
- Beans and pulses
- Biscuits
- Cereal
- Cleaning products
- Coffee
- Cooking sauces
- Crackers
- Crisps
- Flour
- Fruit juices
- Gravy granules and other instant gravy
- Herbs and spices
- Hot chocolate
- Instant mash
- Jam
- Jelly
- J-cloths
- Long-life milk
- Packet mixes
- Pasta
- Rice
- Salt and pepper
- Sanitary products
- Soap
- Soup
- Sugar
- Sweets
- Tea
- Tinned foods, both sweet or savoury
- Toiletries, including toothpaste
- Washing products
