Kettering church's soup kitchen open but appealing for volunteers and food

A weekly soup kitchen run by a church in Kettering is still going but facing "challenges" from government advice amid the coronavirus crisis.

Reverend David Walsh from St Peter and St Paul's Church said: "We're very much hoping to keep the soup kitchen going. Of course we are having to make changes to take account of the new situation.

"For the time being we will be serving takeaway food only at the door of the parish hall on Thursday afternoons from 4 to 6 pm."

The soup kitchen is run by volunteers, and Rev Walsh said: "The government's advice creates a few challenges for us. Quite a few of our volunteer team are over 70 or have underlying health conditions."

The government are currently advising those over 70 and those with certain underlying health conditions to practice social distancing and avoid non-essential contact with others, meaning some volunteers cannot attend the soup kitchen.

Rev Walsh added: "We're fairly optimistic that their place will be taken by other volunteers, but we are always interested to hear from potential new volunteers.

"They can contact us at [email protected]."

Another concern for the soup kitchen is ensuring there is enough food for those in need.

Rev Walsh said: "We would welcome any suggestions about new sources of food.

"People can leave gifts of food in St Peter and St Paul's Church, where they will be collected every day."

The soup kitchen serves on Thursdays between 4pm-6pm at the Parish Hall in Market Place.