Food bank items

kizzie_nikita

Some people moaning that they don't like certain things, i can say when i was at a point i had no food at all, i would have been happy for ANYTHING. I was that hungry i wouldn't have been picky.

wifefaefife

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned it but what about loo roll.

laurel7172

An essential component of the parcel, I think, is respect.

We collected donations for the food bank recently, and the person who came to fetch them...wasn't very warm, or very nice IMO, and definitely lacked compassion/empathy for those in need.

It costs nothing to treat others as you'd like to be treated, but I'm finding it hard now to imagine our donations being shared in the spirit in which they were given.

Owain_Moneysaver

carlislelass wrote: »

Tinned hotdogs...YUK!!!

You can slice them up and add them to stews, pizzas, etc.

Admittedly on their own they're a bit vile.

If you label the tin saucissons americains they sound a bit more exotic.

Butterfly_Brain

You can make hot dogs passable if you cook them with a tin of tomatoes or pasta sauce a tin of mixed veg and herbs serve with spaghetti

wondercollie

Foodbanks started here in Canada in the early 1980s and have kept going ever since.

Who will be doing your screening for eligibility? It's all well to say you will give to whoever is in need but who determines need? Some of the smaller banks require a referral from a school, public health nurse, church, or social worker.

It's always a hot topic issue, who should recieve. But I always remember one one in the line in Vancouver who basically said, she wanted free food because her mortgage, etc, only left her $xxx for living expenses. At the time I was renting, my living expenses funds were less than hers and I was contributing to the foodbank she was lining up for.

Look into baby formula, it's always in short supply. It's all nice to say include dried fruit but most people don't eat it. Four apples, oranges, bananas are usual. It has to be easy to eat and prepare.

Don't forget washing up liquid and washing powder for clothes.

Pet food is good as well as someone suggested because it has been documented here in North America people were sharing tgheir meals with their animals.

Molly41

My experience is to stick with the very basics as already described - Great list Butterfly and agree about the hot dogs!

Don't impose your own nutritional views on whether it is "healthy" or not. For those recipients who have some food knowledge - they will take the staples and make meals. For those who dont or who have no facilities - it will fill an empty tummy.

Butterfly_Brain

wondercollie most food banks here you have to be referred by someone such as a G.P, Job centre, sure start centre, social worker, health visitor, the police, citizens advice etc. who issue you with a voucher. You are only allowed access three times in a year and are given enough for 7 days of meals. As Chris Mould the leader of Trussell trust says the government should not be allowed to get away with cutting benefits and dodging their social responsibility.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/sep/18/chris-mould-social-entrepreneur-responsibility

Baby formula is available through baby clinics, G.P's and Health visitors.

I agree about pet food and basic toiletries (Toilet rolls, soap, toothpaste, deodorant and sanitary needs and nappies if you have babies)

There are smaller church led food banks that deal with the homeless ( who have different needs because they usually have no cooking facilities) and people in dire need on top of that

Lleucu

Our referrals are from the 'usual suspects' social workers, mental health workers, GPs, District Nurses etc.

We did not join Trussell because of the cost.

Whether we stick to 'three in a year' seems unlikely. Our area is very isolated services are hard to get. I agree with the eligibility comment, having been responsible for the Section 17 budget in a children's team (used partly for dire emergencies, it is difficult when the same people keep coming (or sell their food voucher for drugs, change it etc).

And I still worry that we are replacing a state system - single payments from the Social Fund with a variable charitable system, but it is the way it is going, even Labour politicians are supporting food banks.

We could have one of the 'collection threads', items for food banks and associated recipes.

Some ideas I have had:
Apple crumble - crumble mix or flour
Suet for dumplings (shelf item) - very filling
Pastry cases - ready made - dry item

Thanks once again for all your good ideas and insights, diolch yn fawr i chi am eich cymorth :T

beadgirl87

Hey,
I think a couple of receipe cards would be useful. I would imagine some people may struggle to come up with menus if given a bag of food, which they may not normally buy (I'm sure they will be grateful, but may not be sure how to make the best of it) A few basic suggests may inspire them to use it all. I'm ok at cooking but I think with some ingredientes I wouldn't have a clue what to cook them with or how to feed a family with them.
The cereal or breakfast idea is useful,
Are eggs an option? As they keep for a few weeks and you can make alot with them.
A bag of pasta/rice
Jar of jam,
Good luck, I think it is a good thing you are doing for people.