Struggling families in food poverty to be helped by United Synagogue hunger campaign

Families struggling who fall into food poverty amid the cost of living crisis will be helped by a hunger campaign launched by the United Synagogue.

For more than two years, the United Synagogue has supported 150 families and individuals with weekly food parcels.

Many of these people lost some or all of their income during the pandemic and could no longer make ends meet.

The charity expects this number to rise given the rising cost of food and energy bills.

As a result, the United Synagogue is launching a food collection campaign this week which will also coincide with World Hunger Day – 28 May.

Each United Synagogue shul will be asked to collect specific items such as tinned goods, store cupboard essentials and toiletries.

The United Synagogue will arrange for donation boxes to be available at shuls and in local areas until June 28.

Michelle Minsky, Head of the United Synagogue’s Chesed department, said: “Hunger is now a reality for many.

“First the pandemic and now an unprecedented cost of living crisis means that more people than ever before are going hungry. Families in our own communities now face both food and fuel poverty – many for the first time ever.

“The United Synagogue sends over 150 weekly food parcels to individuals and families. This World Hunger Day please help us by providing desperately needed extra food items.

“If you’re reading this and think that you or your family could benefit from our support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your shul’s care co-ordinator, or your shul office, or call us directly on 020 8343 5696. All calls are treated confidentially.”

One beneficiary of the United Synagogue’s work wishes to remain anonymous and said: “Our family has been fortunate enough to benefit from receiving the United Synagogue food parcels and meals delivery scheme.

“We are a large family and the regular deliveries relieve significant stress, worry and financial burden.

“I am unable to articulate the delight on my children’s faces (and the relief on mine) whilst unpacking the deliveries.

“We are indebted and beyond grateful to all the generous donors. If you are able to support the scheme so other families can benefit, please do so. They keep our family going.”

More details at United Synagogue shul offices or Emma Roche on eroche@theus.org.uk.