Haslemere Food Bank has been hit very hard this summer thanks to fewer donations and more children at home.

But parishioners at Our Lady of Lourdes in Haslemere have stepped up to support the struggling food bank and all the families it supports.

After Sunday morning Mass, a tasty bargain was struck, with glasses of wine being offered in exchange for desperately needed donations. Clearly, those in attendance were feeling generous – or perhaps just thirsty – because an incredible 600 individual items were collected. 

The goods were gratefully received by Gillian Boreham and Aileen Assender, trustees of the Food Bank and members of the congregation. Both were delighted with the huge response, which should help ensure that local people receive much-needed food, toiletries, and treats for the remainder of the summer holidays.

Haslemere residents weren’t the only ones lending a hand to their food bank. Over in Liphook, one woman has decided to set up a flower stall outside her home most weekends to raise funds for the Liphook Food Bank.

Helen was inspired to raise money for the food bank after a trip to Sainsbury’s – and has already raised £120. 

“Every time I go into Sainsbury’s, I walk straight past the food bank collection box and always forget to put something in. It just felt like such an obvious choice,” said Helen.

“I hope we can raise as much money as possible because the food bank is doing wonderful things for people who really need it.”

Helen sells flowers outside her home – the fourth house past the Deer’s Hut pub in Grigg’s Green. Flowers in jam jars are priced at £5/£6, and it’s currently cash only. For updates on Helen’s flower sales, keep an eye out for her posts on the Liphook Community Board.