It's getting tough out there. Feeling the pinch?

Florenceem

EssexHebridean - you are so right about a small amount put in a food bank collection point really helps. At my Salvation Army corps we are okay for food to distribute at the moment but if we have a big increase in requests for food parcels - then things will be different. We get lots of food donated at Harvest and Christmas but it drops off at other times of the year but we are still needing food to give out. We are usually short of UHT milk but overflowing with baked beans. There is usually a list of what is needed outside a food bank.

mandy47

Florenceem said:

EssexHebridean -  . We get lots of food donated at Harvest and Christmas but it drops off at other times of the year 

Sadly I am guilty of this. I have always made a charity donation at xmas. I started many years ago, instead of sending cards I would donate the money saved from cards and stamps.
The last few years, together with my DD we have filled the boot with a "big shop" for the food bank. Perhaps we should consider regular if smaller donations.
 I attended a community meeting last night. There was a raffle. Everyone who won a food or toiletry related prize gave them to this one particular lady. I asked and she helps run a local food bank. What a lovely gesture from all those winners to give up their prizes. 

Floss

I do a monthly whizz round Lidl for my local foodbank the first shop after payday. It doesn't made a huge difference to me, but it will to others. I prefer to give goods rather than money, but I know others who donate money when they are paid.

bouicca21

I used to pop stuff in the food bank box but then decided it was too rand9m and that money might be more useful, so now I make regular payments instead.

CapricornLass

You're not the only one - I do a little shop once a month round Lidl's for the foodbank too!

Auntycaz

We try to add some feminine hygiene products, plasters, toothpaste and toothbrushes etc as well as basic foods. I also think it's important to teach our children compassion for others from an early age too. 

EssexHebridean

Homeless shelters often cry out for sanitary towels / tampons etc as well - I always make sure I throw a few packs of each into the christmas box for ours. 

Florenceem

At my SA we get asked for all sorts of things - recently asked for a can opener - yes you can get one at a £shop but that is a £ less to spend on food. Also asked for a potato masher recently. We keep a stock of toiletries to give out.

Florenceem

EssexHebridean said:

Homeless shelters often cry out for sanitary towels / tampons etc as well - I always make sure I throw a few packs of each into the christmas box for ours. 

Yes we also have packs of nappies and wipes for families.

Floss

There's always tampons & pads and toothbrushes & toothpaste, plus whatever else they are in need of, I always check their Fb page before going in.