Informal talk

Sadly, we are increasingly familiar with food banks as a response to poverty in our communities. But financial and food poverty are not the only forms of poverty in the modern world. Through unemployment, debt – and consequent depression – social isolation increases, support networks break down and a poverty of relationships develops. 

In the United States, Canada and more recently Scotland, instead of or as well as food banks, some churches are offering what has been called a ‘Table Grace Café in operation’ – a place where people can come and have not only a nutritious meal (made from fresh food, rather than the non-perishable goods that make up most food bank bags), but also conversation and companionship when they want it. There is no set price for the food, with people making a donation, helping out or supplying food if they want. Other activities, including board games, watching TV together, or listening to people sing or play music, also take place in some of these cafés. You could show a video clip of a Table Grace Café in operation, or images from a news report about community meals in Scotland.

The key thing is that everyone is welcome, whether they can pay or not. Might this be something that our church could do? Would that be a one-off (e.g. for Halloween or Bonfire Night, or a Christmas meal), or something to do on an ongoing and regular basis?