MegaBite food vouchers

[sattler]

Some years ago I worked for what was the the Churches National Housing Coalition. I had a hand in the early development of MegaBite, a food voucher project which aimed to provide a practical and ethical response to begging. The idea was simple: instead of giving money to people who beg a voucher could be given instead that could be exchanged at a range of participating food outlets. MegaBite was based on the excellent existing Exeter scheme. The project was succesfully franchised and there are now four locations where MegaBite is in use.

Some years on Housing Justice who now administer the scheme are looking to find a new home for MegaBite. At the same time I am exploring ways of developing and enhancing the service. For many years I have been involved in the creation of innovative services around Christian practices (e.g. hospitality, almsgiving, peacemaking, etc). I also realise that many of these practices are also found in other faith Traditions.

To summarise, what I'm looking to see happen is to find another organisation which will provide an umbrella to develop MegaBite. I am keen to explore a possible partnership between Muslims and Christians based on a shared exploration of the tradition of almsgiving. I believe such a partnership would facilitate mutual understanding and communication. I am also aiming to shift the emphasis of the project, somewhat to place a greater emphasis on nutrition and health. I'm especially looking for Muslim response to this proposal. Further information on MegaBite can be found on the Housing Justice website:

http://www.housingjustice.org.uk/megabite/index.htm

For more of an idea of where I'm coming from try my blog:

http://radref.blogspot.com/

I look forward to hearing from you.

Peace,

Phil Wood