Cook Out to Reach Out: An Initiative to Support Families Affected by the Cost of Living Crisis

As the cost of living crisis continues to escalate across the UK, countless individuals are facing difficult choices – sometimes even having to choose between whether to “eat or heat.” Food poverty remains a significant and growing concern, with a recent report from the Food Cycle charity revealing that 7.2 million people are living in food-insecure households.

Aware of this troubling reality, the Universal Church is dedicated to supporting the local communities where we are based. We offer regular weekly Soup Kitchens and Food Banks across 27 branches, providing essential items, warm and nourishing meals and, most importantly, a sense of comfort and community.

However, as Christians we believe in the importance of going the extra mile. That’s why we are happy to announce the Cook Out to Reach Out event – an initiative created to support families who, due to the cost of living crisis, are not able to afford a meal at a local restaurant.

For many families, the prospect of having a night out at a restaurant has been postponed to focus on other necessities, but through this initiative, in partnership with local businesses, we aim to offer the community free delicacies that they would not usually be able to afford or try.

“We aim to reach out to all local stores and restaurants in the local communities where there is a Soup Kitchen or Food bank. We believe this initiative will be a big step to helping people deal with the ever-rising cost of living and food poverty issue. The initiative will also give the local business an opportunity to engage with the UCKG Food Bank and Soup Kitchen and build better relationships in our local communities” explained Pastor David Osei, head of the UCKG Community Outreach Groups.

The event will take place on Saturday, 29 March, from 11am to 1pm at all 27 branches that host Soup Kitchens and Food Banks, including our headquarters in Finsbury Park – 232 Seven Sisters Rd, N4 3NX. For more information, please call our 24-hour helpline at 020 7686 6000, send a WhatsApp message to 020 7686 6010 or email charities@uckg.org.

Event: Cook Out to Reach Out
Day and time: Saturday, 29 March, from 11am to 1pm
Location: At your nearest UCKG Food Bank / Soup Kitchen

Sources: https://foodcycle.org.uk/your-place-at-the-table/