Homeless feeding programme gets a boost

Homeless and less fortunate individuals in and around the Bridgetown area, but particularly those close to the James Street Methodist Church, are once again enjoying much-needed, well-rounded meals thanks to a new partnership between the St Michael-based church and Sagicor.

The insurance and financial institution recently committed to providing monetary support to the Church’s Homeless Feeding programme, an initiative that had been in existence for over 25 years but was halted because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every fourth Sunday in each month, several members of the church came together to prepare and distribute catered meals to approximately 150 homeless and less fortunate individuals. However, recent rising costs and the increased numbers of persons now requiring this help, have made it difficult to maintain the programme at previous levels.  

In January of this year, Sagicor came to the support of the initiative, agreeing to a monthly financial contribution to help with the purchase of supplies and ingredients for the now rebranded “Zarephath’s Kitchen”.

Paul Inniss, Executive Vice President and General Manager for Sagicor Life (Barbados) Inc, said the decision to work with the Church on this programme was an easy one, especially following the successful execution of another initiative in 2022.

“Last year we partnered with the church to offer free health checks to members of the public, which were facilitated by our in-house nurse, Rosanna Springer, who visited the church once a month to test individuals’ cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure, capture weight, height and waist measurements and provide tips and advice on maintaining good health”, he said. “This new partnership is simply an extension of our willingness to support those in the communities in which we operate,” he added.

Speaking on the initiative and the church’s partnership with Sagicor was Reverend Derick A. Richards, Superintendent Minister of the James Street-Speightstown Circuit and Bishop of the South Caribbean District of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and Americas. He thanked the financial institution for facilitating the recommencement of the programme.

“Bridgetown is home to many homeless and less fortunate individuals, who greatly rely on the support and kindness of strangers, much of which is provided by NGOs and other church and community groups. During the pandemic, this support was significantly reduced or completely removed in some instances, with reinstatement being made difficult by rising costs. Sagicor’s support of this initiative could not have come at a better time, and we are so grateful for their assistance,” said Reverend Richards. 

(PR)