Volunteers unite to help families facing food poverty in Tameside

Volunteers from BAPS mandirs and centres across the UK came together this winter to support families facing food insecurity through their annual Community Food Drive, with local efforts making a meaningful impact in Tameside.

As the ongoing cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on households nationwide, food banks are experiencing record levels of demand. In response, volunteers from BAPS mandirs and centres, working in collaboration with their charity arm, BAPS Charities, mobilised to help those most in need, guided by a shared spirit of service, compassion and community responsibility.

Throughout November and December, volunteers coordinated closely with local food banks and community charities to collect and donate essential non-perishable items. Donations included cereals, pasta, lentils, tinned foods, UHT milk and other everyday necessities that are in particularly high demand during the winter months. By working directly with outreach coordinators and partner organisations, each mandir and centre ensured that contributions met specific local needs while adhering to health and safety standards.

The initiative also helped strengthen ties between local mandirs and community organisations. Many of the charities involved continue to rely heavily on public support during this challenging period. While some BAPS centres partnered with long-established local charities, others built new connections with organisations responding to rising levels of food poverty.

In Ashton-under-Lyne, volunteers from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir partnered with the Trussell Trust to support people in the local area who are struggling to access basic food supplies. Mayur Patel, a volunteer from Ashton-under-Lyne, highlighted the human impact behind the initiative. “When we deliver these donations, we’re not just giving food – we’re sharing hope. Every tin, every box, every bag reminds someone that their community cares about them,” he said.

Representatives from recipient charities expressed their appreciation for the continued support, noting how timely and thoughtfully coordinated the donations were during the busy winter season.

The collective effort of volunteers across the UK reflects the values at the heart of BAPS, inspired and guided by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj – selfless service, humility, compassion and a strong sense of community. As families continue to face unprecedented challenges, the Community Food Drive stands as a powerful reminder of how shared goodwill and sincere service can make a real difference at a local level.