A CHURCH in Bournemouth has asked for people who donate their food to do so and attach a postcard to their MP. 

Members of the Parish of Winton, Moordown and Charminster came up with the innovative idea to help the Hope for Food charity. 

During the morning service on Sunday, October 16, a shopping trolley was filled with goods and food for those struggling with the cost of living crisis. 

Alongside the donations, each donor completed a postcard addressed to their local MP, either Conor Burns, MP for Bournemouth West, or Tobias Ellwood, MP for Bournemouth East. 

Bournemouth Echo: Template for the postcardTemplate for the postcard (Image: NQ)

The postcard, which is already written for them and visitors only need to sign, asks the MPs ‘what are you doing to address the root causes of food insecurity and eradicate the need for charities like Hope for Food?’ 

Read more: The harsh reality of people living below the breadline in Bournemouth

The cards will then be sent to the respective MP each week. 

The Reverend Michael Smith, vicar at the church, said: “We are appalled by the ever-increasing need for foodbanks in this day and age and as a result we have stepped up our approach and what we can do to help.  

“In the big scheme of things, it’s a small amount but when we heard that Hope for Food was having to buy food because they were supplying more and more people with provisions, we just had to do something.  

“This is a small gesture. We also felt it was really important that we asked our local MPs what they are doing to stop the reliance on foodbanks and charities such as Hope for Food. It will be interesting to hear their responses.” 

Read more: Long queues outside Bournemouth church for food giveaway

Mary, operations manager at Hope for Food said: “We are really grateful to organisations such as the Parish of Winton, Moordown and Charminster. We are reliant on many organisations for donations - schools, individuals and businesses as well as churches.  

“Without them our food donations would be even less. Having a weekly collection, however large or small, will be of great help and ensure that we can continue to help those most in need in Bournemouth.”