It’s a crying shame – some say a scandal – that our society has growing numbers of people dependent on foodbanks, soup kitchens, and Victorian-era charity hand-outs.

On the other hand, it is a blessing and a relief that many people generously offer their time, energy, and money to make these things happen.

Have you noticed how much of that generosity comes from people of faith? There’s hardly a foodbank in the country without a big input from Christian people, in its founding, or running. It’s not only Christians of course, but they do play a huge part.

The West Yorkshire Ecumenical Council brings together Christians from many different churches, in a common witness.

It recently held a Generosity Day, to flag up and celebrate all the ways in which Christians give away free food.

As well as foodbanks, there are a number of Christian drop-in cafes in our area serving hot meals for the forgotten people of our society – people who are homeless, or destitute (including asylum seekers seeking sanctuary from persecution), or people with addiction problems with alcohol or drugs.

When your life reaches the absolute bottom, it’s likely to be the churches that are still there for you. Without charge.

The recent floods in the South reminded me of a generous act a few years ago, when Bradford Muslims helped Cockermouth churches when the Lake District was flooded. That gesture of generosity helped to build bridges across communities.

Bradford Cathedral has just given a free meal to people of other faiths in the city, again building bridges with neighbours. Generosity, giving without charge, can build friendships, strengthen communities.

West Yorkshire church leaders, on their Generosity Day, gave out tips on how we can all be generous. One tip was for all of us to take some cakes – or any food – round to a neighbour, especially if you don’t really know them, or they live on their own.

We can all learn generosity from people of faith. How can you be generous? By giving some free food to a neighbour, perhaps? Build bridges; be generous.

Clive Barrett