This Advent and Christmas we're raising vital funds for people in crisis, aiming to bring in over 250kg of donations for Chichester District Foodbank. Below, we speak to Sarah Adams, Operations Manager of Chichester District Foodbank.
"I joined Chichester District Foodbank about 4 years ago. Before that my husband and I had owned a bicycle repair shop and then an accessory wholesale business. With a downturn in the market, we decided to close up shop and do something else, that didn’t consume every waking moment of our lives. The warehouse role at CDFB was certainly a timely answer to prayer.
After being self-employed for more than 20 years, I was overjoyed to find a part-time role that was both interesting and challenging, whilst still leaving me time to remember to enjoy life outside work!
After getting to grips with my new role, the pandemic hit. Overnight, everything changed. Suddenly, we spent 2 years run off our feet collecting, sorting packing food. Volunteers who were no longer able to join us, prayed for us. Indeed, it seemed to be a time, when God answered our prayers before they were even formed. Indeed, I was often reminded of the story of Joseph in Genesis 41, where he collected and stored food in preparation for a time of famine. (Perhaps this was the first model for a foodbank, who knows?)
The generosity of the community was stunning. Villages, communities, and churches came together to support us with food and donations. On top of that, it was truly humbling to work alongside my volunteers, and they willingly worked late into the evening to ensure everybody got fed.
All of this has stood me in good stead to take on my new role, as Operations Manager for the District. Now, I work more closely with our centres across the whole District and have the opportunity to talk with many people experiencing hardship.
Perhaps we all have an idea of what we think a typical person living in poverty looks like, what their circumstances are why they need a foodbank. In truth, there is no such person: younger or older; single or with a large family; well educated or streetwise. Each one comes with their own unique story and experience, but all sharing the same need for help and surprise at finding themselves in a foodbank. For some, a single visit is enough to get them back on their feet, for others, we have the privilege of sharing more of their journey to independence. Each one reminds me that I have not walked in their shoes, so I can’t judge. Instead, I can offer compassion, respect, and the chance to be heard and understood. So often, I find myself repeating the same prayer: “Lord Jesus, may this person see your compassion and love when they look in my eyes. Give me ears to hear their unspoken need”.
As we grow and develop as a foodbank, we sense that God is calling for us to do more than just provide a food parcel and a listening ear, important as these things are. We are here to offer hope: Tangible hope comes in the form of actively referring clients to much needed support to leave their current situation. But as a Christian, I want to see us working more closely with the Cathedral and other local churches to come alongside our clients to introduce them to Jesus, the true source of our hope."
We invite you to join us in raising vital funds for people in crisis this Advent and Christmas.
From the 27th November additional donation points will be set up around the Cathedral, aiming to bring in over 250kg of donations for Chichester District Foodbank.