As I am writing this, tomorrow begins the period of ‘Lent’ where, for religious reasons or otherwise, many take time to abstain from a certain trait or habit in order to become more disciplined.
The tradition of Lent began as a Christian festival to commemorate the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and resisting the temptations of the devil. Now, many believers adopt the same pattern in the forty days leading up to Easter Sunday, opting for one thing to sacrifice; be that chocolate, coffee, or something else entirely. In doing so, they reflect on the sacrifice Christ made for them on the cross.
Enforcing such limits and restrictions is considered quite challenging and requires a lot of discipline, but I wonder if you have ever considered it a privilege. Unfortunately, many aren’t granted the luxury of abstinence, and for some of those we encounter in the Foodbank, their every day is spent struggling to afford even the basic essentials.
Many of us have been affected by the cost-of-living crisis in some shape or form, but for those who were already on the breadline, this period has been harder than ever. According to a report published by the Trussell Trust in 2022, 1 in 6 people across Northern Ireland say that they or their household have experienced food insecurity.
It’s time to ‘Guarantee our Essentials’
As a result, the Trussell Trust have begun a campaign known as ‘Guaranteeing our Essentials’, lobbying the UK government to increase the basic rate of Universal Credit as there is currently a significant shortfall between living costs and income. Here’s what our CEO had to say:
“Poverty is all around us. It is likely there will be people going hungry on your street, at your work, or someone you wave to on the school run. Many are trying to survive on ever decreasing budgets and that is why it is imperative that Universal Credit rates increase so that everyone can afford to buy the essentials.”
– Lynsey Agnew, CEO Lisburn Foodbank
What can I do to help?
If you are choosing to practice lent this year, why not continue to buy the items you are trying to forgo and instead donate it to someone in need. We always include a little snack bag in each of our parcels, as these items are a real pick-me-up for an individual or family struggling to afford the basics. Remember, what is a choice for you to avoid is an unseen luxury for others.
Alternatively, whilst Lent is typically categorised by sacrificing a ‘guilty pleasure’, others choose to instead be intentional about practicing a healthy habit; for instance, demonstrate random acts of kindness each day. You could also adopt this approach. Why not tip a little more at your local coffee shop, phone a friend to remind them how much you appreciate them, or perhaps you would consider giving to others who are struggling to cover costs.
We at Lisburn Foodbank are noticing this ever-increasing need, but our stock levels are unfortunately not high enough to meet it. In 2023, we received 5 tonnes less in food donations than the previous year, and yet fed 1.5% more people. If you do feel you are in a position to donate, we would really appreciate anything you can give.
Final Thoughts
So as we approach this season, how should we observe Lent differently?
Perhaps this should be our main takeaway: instead of using this holiday as an opportunity to go without, practice gratitude in the knowledge you don’t have to. If Lent is a choice for you, you are in a privileged position, and in response we can use this opportunity to bless others.
