Burnley pastor's impassioned plea for more food donations as demand reaches breaking point

And Pastor Mick Fleming has warned that the number of food parcels needed was only likely to increase as people continued to struggle in the face of the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.

He said he was being met on doorsteps by elderly people in floods of tears, and by young families ripping open parcels the second they are handed them because of severe hunger.

"It's scary out there at the minute," he said. "A lot of people probably aren't seeing it, but I'm seeing it every single day and it's getting worse.

"So many people are struggling, from all walks of life. IT's not just people who are struggling for money either. Elderly people can't get out. They are isolating, but they have no way of getting to shops and nobody is delivering to them. It's heartbreaking to see.

"We need more food though. The demand is reaching breaking point and if there are any people or businesses out there who can help, then please get in touch."

A drop-off point for food is currently open at St Matthew's Church, Harriet Street, Burnley, every Saturday, from 8am to 10am, and from 9am to 11am every Sunday.

People can also drop off items at Mount Zion Church in Cliviger between 7 – 8pm every Monday.

Pastor Fleming, who runs the Church on the Street ministry, regularly helps to feed rough sleepers in the town, and has been at the forefront of calls to open a night shelter.

He said he was still managing to get food to those living on the streets, but had been taken aback by the number of referrals he was getting for people struggling indoors.

"What happens is, I pick up all the food from the drop off points and then take it to four safe houses where it is bagged by volunteers. We try to ensure there is as little interaction as possible.

"Because we can no longer feed the rough sleepers outside McDonalds every Tuesday and Friday like we usually do, I have divided the town into three zones. I go to these zones five times a week and space the food parcels out. Those who need the help know where we are going to be and when.

"Delivering food parcels to people's houses has actually come about through referrals. People have been ringing me, or contacting me through the Burnley Against Poverty Facebook page, saying they need help in getting food to people.

"I say to anyone, 'If you are going hungry, I will feed you'."

Anybody who wishes to speak with Pastor Fleming can do so by ringing 07582 776574.