LOCAL LIFE
MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Hope Chapel Food Care Program by Lorna Gordon
For the past 15 years, Hope Chapel’ s pastors Rick and Kerry-Ann Mapperson and their team of volunteers have been quietly helping people across Blacktown through their Food Care program. What began as a simple response to a growing need has become a lifeline for hundreds of families, individuals, and students doing it tough.
“ We’ ve always known there was unemployment and social need in Blacktown, but more recently we have been noticing the growing reality of working people needing help to make ends meet,” says Rick.
“ You have difficult situations where husbands and wives are both working, but still not earning enough to provide for their families.”
One part of the program that surprises many people is its school sandwich initiative. Every few weeks, volunteers
Delicious fresh meals are donated to the care program. prepare and deliver freshly made, highquality sandwiches to Mitchell High School, Blacktown Girls High School, and Davis Road Public School. The schools keep a stock of them in their freezer and discreetly distribute them to students who would otherwise go without.
“ People are shocked this is needed in our area,” Rick said.“ But it is, and we’ re committed to making sure no child misses out.”
One of the program’ s defining features is its complete lack of means testing. There is no need to show concession cards or any other requirements to gain access to the pantry. Rick is adamant that everyone who goes to them is treated equally and with dignity.
“ If they ask and we have it, we’ ll give it. We don’ t want to make anyone feel embarrassed. The team would rather help than risk someone slipping through the cracks.”
The food comes from donations from the community, much of the fruit, vegetables, and pantry items are purchased at Food Bank, while a local daycare donates excess meals.
A local farmer contributes what Rick tells me is‘ top shelf produce’ every week. Church members regularly bring non-perishables, and a meal-delivery business donates readymade meals that are especially appreciated by elderly community members.
Each Friday families can purchase a bag of pantry staples or frozen food bag for just $ 7, while fruit, vegetables, bread, and meals are provided free of charge. But the heart of the program is more than food, it’ s human contact.
“ We don’ t want people to just pull up and drive off,” Rick explained.
“ Our volunteers are encouraged to chat, listen, and offer support. We remind our team that they might be the only person someone speaks to that day.”
At Christmas, the church prepares 300-400 stockings for children of inmates and small gift bags for women who have fled dangerous situations with almost nothing.
The local community help out with these by donating small toys for the children or good quality make up, bags or other quality gift items to help make the holidays a little more special for those in need.
Christmas gifts are prepared for children each year.
Hope Chapel’ s Food Care program is more than a service. It is dignity, compassion, and hope for all our community. It’ s open every Friday, 9.30-12pm at 2 / 55 Fourth Avenue Blacktown. Keep up to date with news on their Facebook page at facebook. com / HopeChapelFoodCareProgram.
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ISSUE 57 // DECEMBER 2025 9