THE two things in life we are most thankful for are the food on our plates and the roof over our heads.

Of course we are more thankful for our families, but if you can't provide them with food and a home, what life can you have together?

It is those two absolute basics that give families the chance to be together and have some measure of family life that the amazing Emmaus charity is trying to address.

Who knew that people referred to food banks are only able to use them a few times a year?

People generally think it is a terrible indictment on our country in 2019 that families should be reduced to having to be given free food by a charity. But how many people realise that the access to those food banks is restricted? What do those poor families do when they have had their allocation for the year?

It is this desperate situation that Emmaus is addressing.

Their new venture, Lucie's Pantry, will give struggling families hope and also help them retain the dignity of providing for themselves. Clients will pay a nominal sum into the Pantry each week and in return they will be able to source fresh food for their daily use.

The people of Bolton can be very grateful for charities such as Emmaus and Urban Outreach who put their Christian faith into action in such wholeheartedly practical ways.

Thank you to their volunteers.