Whilst the source of this quote is somewhat contested and gender specific, the essence of it resounds with me. It speaks of the value of equipping others to do something for themselves. Maybe provision of basic resources or passing on of skills is all it takes. Broadly speaking, humankind likes to be useful, to be able to do things for themselves. For fans of Maslow and his Hierarchy of Needs, self-esteem cannot be reached if the essentials aren’t in place first – there’s a need for belonging and safety before we reach a level of self-respect. We need our physiological needs to be met before we feel safe. Social justice is all about enabling others to realise their potential and removing the barriers that hinder somebody from being treated fairly. It’s an understatement to say that inequality in the UK is concerning. We have the 9th most unequal incomes of 38 OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, but more than that the wealth inequality is so severe that the top fifth take 36% of the country’s income and 63% of the country’s wealth while the bottom fifth have only 8% of the income and only 0.5% of the wealth (OECD, 2022). With such little income and wealth, the prospect of learning to fish for oneself doesn’t take priority, irrespective of desire. The priority is to exist for the day. Fish is what is needed. It continues to be a frustration for me that we continue to engage in so much social action. It feels like firefighting, a sticking plaster, maybe? Whatever it is, it lacks dignity. But it is necessary. Essential for survival.
As we approach Lent, we are often encouraged to give something up – chocolate, hot drinks or TV perhaps. As I consider the options, my mind shifts to those who I know experiencing food poverty. For some, a bar of chocolate is a rarity, a true luxury and when it is available (often thanks to generous donors), then the energy boost is much needed. As for hot drinks, well … even if you have the key ingredients, the energy price may be the ultimate barrier. Similarly with the TV. The lack of food, heat and company creates a stark contrast to the calm and spiritual moments we may associate with Lent. Another approach to Lent is to take something up – a Lent course, maybe. An opportunity to focus on the true meaning of Easter in our busy world. There’s value in that, don’t get me wrong, but if you’re hungry, cold and isolated, it may not be your first priority. You might just need some fish to feed you for the day.
Fish is a staple in Micah’s emergency food parcels and one of the most purchased items. We receive some donations of tinned fish (thank you), but it’s something we have to buy on a weekly basis. With this in mind, we are asking if people want to donate something extra or different to Micah during Lent. We welcome tinned fish! It is currently our greatest need. Over the last few weeks, we’ve distributed nearly 400 emergency food parcels at Micah foodbanks. That’s a lot of fish! As we welcome donations and work together in feeding people at moments of crisis, we hold this in mind with a longer term vision of bringing justice and fairness for a lifetime and future generations. Over the Lent period, as throughout the year, we hope and pray for a fairer, more just and equitable society. May we start with a tin of fish for survival today.