KIND churchgoers are providing a weekly hot meal for dozens of Gosport families in need.

Christ Church in Gosport throws open its church hall every Monday for the ‘Kitchen Table’ – providing a two-course meal every week to anyone who needs it. It mainly uses food donated by the Trash Café, which collects food the supermarkets can’t sell, but is still safe and good to eat.

Volunteers cook a hot, nutritious meal from whatever ingredients they receive, including a vegan option and a pudding, and then offer them to families free of charge. Each Monday from 5pm, the church hall is packed with families who appreciate the practical support. The Kitchen Table is even open on each Bank Holiday Monday, including Easter Monday.

For Jessica West (pictured above) and her nine-year-old son Elliott, it is a godsend. She has been struggling with rising bills as part of the cost-of-living crisis, so eating a two-course meal at the church each week makes a real difference.

She said: “This has been a massive help, as it guarantees that we’ll have a hot meal every Monday. Money is tight and it’s nice to get together as a family here. I’ve been each week that it has been happening so far, and the food is amazing. They are really imaginative with how they use whatever has been given to them.

“I’ve been involved with the church for a few months and it’s a real community. It has given me real hope, as I’ve been suffering from alcohol addiction. My faith in Jesus is growing.”

Anyone who would like a meal is asked to come to the hall behind Christ Church at 5pm each Monday, where volunteers will be cooking in the church’s kitchen. Tables and chairs are laid out so people can eat together and volunteers in branded t-shirts are available to chat.

To book your place at the Kitchen Table, see linktr.ee/harbourchurchgosport.