It is disgusting that 21st century children are living in food poverty | Ian Hart

Pandemic aside, the overwhelming majority of the people reading this column will still be looking forward to a relatively comfortable Christmas.
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There will be all the food and drink required readily available. There will be presents under the tree. The respective homes will be all be heated and welcoming for (limited) visitors.

But what if you are one of those individuals or families that this does not apply to?

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It is nothing short of disgusting that we are a fifth of the way into the 21st century and any child in this nation is in food poverty, let alone Worthing, but sadly that is still the case.

Woodstock Day Nursery, in Farncombe Road, Worthing, collected a huge amount of groceries and toiletries for Worthing Food Foundation last monthWoodstock Day Nursery, in Farncombe Road, Worthing, collected a huge amount of groceries and toiletries for Worthing Food Foundation last month
Woodstock Day Nursery, in Farncombe Road, Worthing, collected a huge amount of groceries and toiletries for Worthing Food Foundation last month

The Worthing Food Bank network is currently working tirelessly to reach out to the relevant families and individuals who need assistance – it is not just about food, it is about gifts for children who will not receive the same level of Christmas cheer as the majority of youngsters.

At the start of the week we set up a donation box at my office in Broadwater Street West after my grown-up children started an appeal on the company Facebook page.

We have all been overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of local people, and working with Su Turley, from the Worthing Food Foundation at East Worthing Baptist Church, and Broadwater ward councillor Margaret Howard, we will continue to take donations.

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If you would like to help, please go to either the Ian Hart Funeral Service Facebook page or the Worthing Food Foundation website.

Ian HartIan Hart
Ian Hart

• Finally, and finishing on a more positive note, as a result of last week’s column I was contacted by three different families, and was able to help them locate the whereabouts of their loved ones from 1961, 1973 and 1997 respectively. If anyone else reading this would like similar help, and there is no charge, please get in touch with me on 01903 206299.

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