Merton student launches 'Bridge of Charity' to help tackle food insecurity

Alexandra Fergen, a DPhil Candidate in Modern History at Merton, has launched an initiative to support those in need of food and basic necessities in Oxford during the Covid-19 pandemic. Bridge of Charity is modelled on 'gabenzäune' - the so-called 'donation fences' that have sprung up across much of Germany - and the idea is a simple one. People are asked to fill a bag with basic goods, write down what’s inside, then simply tie it securely to the handrail of the pedestrian bridge outside Oxford Train Station, where people who need to can then collect a bag at any time.

Alexandra explains why she set up Bridge of Charity:

"Research shows how Covid-19 has forced millions of Britons to skip meals. Some even have to go without food for an entire day. Many food banks are being forced to close, or can only offer a limited service. Customer donations in shops have plummeted, and panic-buying has reduced stock, causing a shortage of supplies for charities and restrictions for those who can’t afford to hoard. As the lockdown continues and the number of cases increase, food insecurity is becoming an ever-growing problem.

"Bridge of Charity is a way of helping to tackle this problem. It’s easy, fast and self-sufficient. We're asking for donations of basic, packaged, long-lasting goods: tins, hygiene products, drinks, shrink-wrapped bread, cereal bars, cookies, pet food, clothes, books, blankets, etc.

"I hope that people in Oxford will join me in this initiative and help me spread the message so that it reaches as many people in our community as possible. A little goes a long way, and every bag helps!"

You can find out more about Bridge of Charity by visiting their Facebook page and following them on Instagram.

UPDATE:  The Bridge has been so successful that Alexandra has set up a second one on Donnington Bridge. She writes:

"The response has been really heart-warming so far. Waitrose on Botley Road have just let me know that they’d also like to contribute with donations. Many people want to help and have asked me how they can support the initiative because in some cases they can’t physically make it to the two bridges. So I’m currently also discussing ideas with Waitrose Botley Road to help people donate to Bridge of Charity in other ways."