The Foodbank Donation Thread

Ginny2kids

I've got into the habit of looking out for bargains now for my foodbank donations as I don't have much to spare myself but think it's terrible in this day and age when so many are struggling so much.
15p bars of soap from Tesco, I usually buy 10 a month to donate. 
I've also listed a few 'bundles'of food items on TrashNothing and said I'd rather it went to someone who needs a little help. Then they can collect when they like without having to go to a food bank. 
Lidls, Aldi and places like Savers are good for toiletries. And I was lucky enough to find lots of 10p packs of stock cubes and custard so bought quite a few to pass on. 
I also regularly donate cat and dog food as people shouldn't have to give up their beloved companions  

maman

Our food bank accepts cash and uses it to buy eggs and other perishables to supplement the long life donations. 

We have a residents FB page where people often post unwanted items (furniture, garden tools, travel cot, bikes etc) and ask for a donation to the food bank. 

Today I bought some hot water bottles (£2 in Poundstretcher) as they really help to keep people warm come winter. 

EasyToAssemble01

I try and balance my food bank purchases along the lines of nutrition, value, and enjoyment (where possible). My opinion is that I can't just go raid the value aisle and think I'm doing my bit. Certain stuff like value instant coffee is fine, but other stuff like tinned tomatoes I prefer to buy the standard ones (I'm convinced there's a greater volume of product in there, and the sauce is better).

I know people's contributions will vary according to their income. But it does irritate me slightly that a lot of people are earning money, and don't bother to donate. If everyone contributed a little bit, they wouldn't have to spend very much per person at all.

Cherryfudge

EasyToAssemble01 said:

I know people's contributions will vary according to their income. But it does irritate me slightly that a lot of people are earning money, and don't bother to donate. If everyone contributed a little bit, they wouldn't have to spend very much per person at all.

I'm pretty sure it's often those who have least who realise the value of what they donate to those without enough to get them through.

I can't claim any special insight as to what helps most though I'm sure a value bag of oats always goes quite a long way and is filling as well as nutritious. Oats can also be soaked overnight if people can't afford to cook them.

As you say, contributing a little - even duplicating one item in your basket for donation - will help someone.

GaleSF63

Cherryfudge said:

I can't claim any special insight as to what helps most though I'm sure a value bag of oats always goes quite a long way and is filling as well as nutritious. Oats can also be soaked overnight if people can't afford to cook them.

Uncooked oats ie straight from the packet, not soaked, with cold milk, no sugar added - lovely! That's the way I've eaten them for decades. 

Misslayed

This would equally apply to any local foodbank I'm sure. 

MSE_Laura_F

Misslayed said:

This would equally apply to any local foodbank I'm sure. 

This is such a lovely idea. 💛

General_Grant

EasyToAssemble01 said:

I try and balance my food bank purchases along the lines of nutrition, value, and enjoyment (where possible). My opinion is that I can't just go raid the value aisle and think I'm doing my bit. Certain stuff like value instant coffee is fine, but other stuff like tinned tomatoes I prefer to buy the standard ones (I'm convinced there's a greater volume of product in there, and the sauce is better).

I know people's contributions will vary according to their income. But it does irritate me slightly that a lot of people are earning money, and don't bother to donate. If everyone contributed a little bit, they wouldn't have to spend very much per person at all.

Do you compare declared "drained weight" with the total weight?
Or are you assessing "volume" in a different way?

Brie

General_Grant said:

EasyToAssemble01 said:

stuff like tinned tomatoes I prefer to buy the standard ones (I'm convinced there's a greater volume of product in there, and the sauce is better).

Do you compare declared "drained weight" with the total weight?
Or are you assessing "volume" in a different way?

It's not just the drained weight, it's also the liquid that surrounds the tomatoes tends to be thicker.  And the actual tomatoes are more likely to be whole, rather than mashed, and with fewer blemishes.  In any case drained weight is a bit of a red herring as a really nice tin of tomatoes will have whole tomatoes which in themselves will contain a lot more juice.  

Overall my guideline is "would I want to eat it or serve it to my friends?"  

GlasgowExpat2

I normally make a donation when I go to football but with the World Cup there will be only 2 home matches before Christmas so I did an online shop and used the Ocado £20 off your first shop discount code.