Dear John

In September, Church Action on Poverty's 2021 calendar story features food justice campaigners Mary Passeri and Sydnie Corley

• How do we recognise and uphold the dignity, agency, and power of people in poverty?
• How do we ensure people with first-hand insights are heard and heeded?
• How do we bring together all our myriad experiences, skills and resolve, to break free from poverty and build a more compassionate society?

Throughout this year, to help answer some of those questions, we are sharing the stories behind the photos in the calendar that was distributed to our saupporters in January. Each month, we focus on one inspirational project that we are proud to stand alongside in the movement to end poverty. This month, we hear from Mary and Sydnie in York. 

Speaking up and sharing insights

As co-chairs of York Food Justice Alliance and tenacious campaigners against the causes of poverty, Mary and Sydnie know that  it’s not enough to hand out food, if the broken systems are allowed to continue.

Before Covid, the alliance existed to coordinate all the different food aid projects around York and to speak up about what was causing hunger in the first place. The duo also ran their own project, a zero-waste food stall, which helped many people get by day-to-day. But they both believe passionately in the need for a long-term focus. Sydnie says:

“We need to look for an exit strategy. We need to look at how we can end the need for having food banks.”

People with experience of poverty know better than anyone what needs to change, and why. Those are the voices that must be heard most loudly.

On our blog, you can read more about the work of York Food Justice Alliance, and see a short video made by Mary and Sydnie:

Best wishes,

Liam Purcell
Church Action on Poverty