New Wyre Forest church initiative set to offer food to those most in need
A Hartlebury church will be working to help those most in need in its community through the launch of a new food initiative.
St James’s Church will be launching the new community project "A Community Tin Bank" on January 21, with the Tin Bank open every Wednesday from 1 to 4.30pm.
The church said this initiative grew out of prayer, local concern, and a desire to serve the village in practical and compassionate ways and said the Tin Bank is not intended to replace or compete with the food banks in Droitwich and Kidderminster, but offer something for people living in Hartlebury.
A spokesman for the church said:" It responds to a simple local reality that, until now, there has been nothing of this kind within Hartlebury itself.
"As a church rooted in its community, St James’ recognised a gap in provision and felt called to respond.
"This is a community project, not only for those who feel they are “in crisis”, but for anyone who may find it helpful."
The church said there are no vouchers, no referrals, no questions asked, and no checks on who may collect food, with the church doors simply being open to anyone in need, with no limit to how much people can take and basic tinned goods being on offer.
Rector Father Tim Williams said: “This project is grounded in the heart of the Christian faith. In the Gospels, Jesus consistently meets people at their point of need.
"He feeds the hungry, heals the sick, and welcomes those who feel overlooked or excluded.
"When the disciples worry that resources are insufficient, Jesus responds with generosity and trust in God’s provision.
“At St James’s, we believe that no one should have to prove their need in order to be met with compassion. Every person is made in the image of God, deserving of respect and hospitality.
"By removing barriers, we hope the Tin Bank becomes not just a place of provision, but a sign of welcome—an expression of God’s grace in the heart of Hartlebury.
“We are grateful to Tesco for providing a collection point, and to all those who have already donated so generously.
"The range of tins—everything from Fray Bentos to tinned vegetables and much in between—is a wonderful reminder of how small acts of kindness, when gathered together, can make a real difference.
"We must also thank Carl Carlson who initially identified the gap in provision and who has spearheaded this project and made it happen.
“The Community Tin Bank is a simple idea, but one shaped by a profound belief that loving our neighbour is not optional, but central to the Christian life.”
