CHRISTIAN Aid supporters in Devizes have been praised for standing together to show solidarity when they took part in a hunger lunch which gave them a taste for what inequality feels like.

A total of 16 people from three churches gathered at St Andrew's Church in Devizes for the lunch with a difference as part of Christian Aid Week. Some of those taking part in the soup and bread lunch were given no bread while others could take as much as they like.

Christian Aid’s regional coordinator for Wiltshire Katrine Musgrave, who was at the lunch, said: “The lunch vividly depicted the current inequality in our world where 42 people boast as much wealth as the entire poorest half of the planet!“I am happy to say that the Devizes supporters found the generosity to share their food and ensure no-body went home hungry – but on a global scale, opportunities and wealth are not being re-distributed at the same pace.

“That was why it was so inspiring to spend time with the Devizes supporters who have been giving, acting and praying throughout Christian Aid Week to tackle the scandal of poverty around the world. We especially focused on those who have been forced from their homes as a result of conflict, climate change or natural disaster and are in urgent need of shelter.”

Those at the lunch also joined the #CAWeek #umbrella challenge, agreeing to do their bit to promote the rights of internally displaced people in countries such as Haiti – where families are desperate for shelter from the storms.

A coffee morning was also held at St Andrew's to raise funds.