In 2021 Friars Baptist Church, Shoeburyness, collaborated with another local agency to test the need for a local facility to provide freshly cooked meals to the local community. This venture was known as the “Pop-up Community Kitchen” and served approximately 200 meals per week from the premises to those in need in the community. To fund the meals grocery items (tinned food) and children’s clothing were sold at nominal prices and surplus ‘near end date’ food from supermarkets was also given away. Enabling families to get nutritional meals and buy cheap clothing and provisions provides them with the ability to better manage their finances and in some cases not have to make difficult choices such as whether to pay for food or heat.

You have probably heard of Noah’s Ark. Noah built a boat to save his family and the animals from the flood. It represents safety in a time of trouble and symbolises how God provides for us. At the end of the story God shows His love for all people by placing a rainbow in the sky. The name reflects the fact that The Shoebury Ark provides a safe place for people to come, provides essential support, food and share God’s love and acceptance.