Every time you turn on the news: there it is. 

Every time you go to the petrol station: there it is. 

Every time you chat around the water cooler at work: there it is. 

It’s even managed to sneak into the normally-entertaining-but-mostly-banal banter at the end of football practice: “I had to mortgage the house in order to put fuel in the lawnmower!” 

Daily reminders that we find ourselves in the midst of a fuel crisis – the poorly-timed geopolitical bedfellow of the cost-of-living crisis we were already in. It is very likely that there will be people in your networks who are having to make very difficult “food or fuel” decisions.

Which raises the question:

As good news people, what does it look like to “love thy neighbour” in the midst of a fuel crisis? 

In the possible (quite likely) scenario that you have limited political influence with Trump, Netanyahu and the Iranian leaders, what can one do? 

Here’s a list of things you could do.  

Practical support for neighbours and friends

• Carpool and share errands: Offer rides to neighbours, friends, or colleagues to reduce fuel costs and vehicle wear-and-tear. Especially if you have an electric or hybrid car! Combine trips to the supermarket or school run to save fuel, offering to pick up supplies for elderly or immobile neighbours. 
• Check in on the vulnerable: Proactively check on elderly neighbours or those living alone to ensure they are warm and have enough food, especially if fuel shortages or rising prices are affecting their ability to heat their homes.
• Share tools and items: Instead of buying new, share or lend items like lawnmowers, DIY tools, etc. 

Community support

• Initiate an Anglican Care hardship grant: These grants are for a one-off small payment (under $700) for families, children, or older persons who have a one-off need. This is for those who are facing some kind of hardship and is often used for things like a family who are struggling to afford a load of wood for the fire, or an urgent bill, or to replace their broken washing machine, or to pay for a school camp – that sort of thing. Applications need to be made by a parish representative, so let your vicar know and they can make the application on behalf of the person in need.
• Donate to food banks and reduce food waste: Food banks are under immense pressure. Donate non-perishable food like canned goods to a local food bank. Promote initiatives that use or redistribute food that would otherwise be wasted, such as community fridges or Kai Rescue, who distribute food to a network of community organisations, ensuring that it goes to those in need.

• Host social gatherings: Invite neighbours or friends over for low-cost meals (like a BBQ or morning tea) to combat isolation, which often accompanies financial stress.
• Volunteer your time: Offer time at local food banks, op shops or community kitchens. Volunteers are needed to sort donations, prep food and run services.

• Use local noticeboards and social media groups: Use community apps like Neighbourly or your Facebook community group to offer assistance, sell items cheaply, or organise group purchases. 
• Support community gardens: Get involved in local community gardens or food co-ops, which provide cheaper, local produce and reduce reliance on expensive, transported food.

Workplace Support

• Encourage flexible working: If you're in a leadership role, promote working from home to save employees commuting costs.
• Check on colleagues: Be aware that coworkers may be under severe financial pressure, causing mental distress. Some businesses have free counselling available via Employment Assistant Programmes (EAP). Ask your boss or HR person if your employer offers this.  

It’s pretty easy to feel overwhelmed when you read through the list, but maybe there’s just one of these things you could move towards. In reality, it’s the combined effort of a large number of people doing one or two little things across your community that will collectively make a big difference.

‍