PARISHIONERS have vowed to help communities across the world fight hunger.

Oswaldtwistle Catholics will be hosting a series of ‘Family Fast Days’ to support people in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East to grow crops, tackle poverty and receive better nutrition as part of this year’s CAFOD Lent fundraising campaign.

This Lent, CAFOD is working to combat malnutrition in Zimbabwe by providing seeds and farming training for communities so that everyone has enough to eat.

A CAFOD spokesman said: “The funds raised by CAFOD’s Lent appeal will reach an estimated 245,000 people in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Eritrea and enable communities to grow a better future by providing safe water, supporting communities to plant vegetable gardens and teaching them about good nutrition and hygiene.

“It will also provide training for families on farming techniques to grow drought-resistant crops and for nurses and village health workers on how to spot and prevent malnutrition.”

Residents in Oswaldtwistle have been holding soup lunches monthly for CAFOD for two years to raise money and show solidarity with people living in poverty by living simply.

Parishioners from St Mary’s Church are hosting a ‘Family Fast Day’ today, where communities will receive a meal and be able to donate money to the charity to fund projects for people living in poverty.

Ann Wilson, CAFOD’s Oswaldtwistle representative, said: “We would like to thank the parish of St Mary’s for their ongoing support of CAFOD. The Lent appeal is such a great way of bringing people together and raising an incredible amount to help others.

“I’m delighted that the UK government is matching donations made by parishes like St Mary’s to CAFOD’s work, showing how important the money raised is.”