The Foodbank Donation Thread

Brie

I like to get some seasonal stuff and some premium brand things so that it's a "better than average" selection for what is for so many a special time of year.  But in order to max the donation I do look for the special offers, 2 for 1, clubcard specials and use up whatever coupons I might have accumulated over the last few months.  So currently I have a look of money off vouchers for M&S as well as lots of clubcard ones too.  Work has also given us a monthly cost of living voucher so that will likely come into play at some point in recognition that our finances are doing much better than some people's currently. 

Kim_kim

I expect the reason people give more value ranges & basic food stuffs is because they can get more of it, usually 2 or 3 times the quantity.  Not that they think people who rely on food banks aren’t worth more, more than they want to help more people.  

cymruchris

Usually about this time I look out for any special offers on Amazon for multi-box deals on things like Celebrations chocolates/Roses/Quality Street etc. - then get about 20 boxes of whatever decent chocolate is on offer - it's not all about tins of beans and pasta sauce

MovingForwards

As it's the run up to Christmas I've swapped things around a bit with my weekly shop.

I'm doing surveys to supplement my own income and can get vouchers for my usual supermarket, those vouchers pay for selection boxes and other Christmas treats.

Money from income buys 'staple' items, things to create meals, with small boxes of tea bags, coffee and the sachets of hot choc / Horlicks etc.

I look out for the 2+1 free or 3 is cheaper with sanitary towels, 1 for me and 2 to donate. Toothpaste, washing up liquid and other things we take for granted get slipped in too.

In January I'll go back to regular, every day staple food items, with toiletries and cleaning products.

Brie

I know that every food bank is different but thought you might like to hear about one near me....

....outside the building they have 2 sheds - like the sort you might use to store tools for the garden.  There's a thin sheet of plywood covering where there might normally be a window and a padlock on the door, but not always locked.  And there's a sign on both sheds that says "don't bother breaking in, the only thing stored here are tins of baked beans."  And I managed to look into one the other day and yes that's what there was.  Hundreds and hundreds of tins of baked beans from floor to ceiling.  All quite new so it's not like they are just rusting away in there but it does show how so many of us just go for what is an obviously universally loved and easy to use staple food for our donations.  

So all the more reason to check what the food bank actually needs. 

Surprised as well to see the amount of alcohol (including 0%) that is donated.  Difficult as many food banks are run by church groups and won't distribute alcohol.  Not sure what people think might be done with it.  So if you do end up with a nasty (to you) bottle of something as a present over Christmas maybe have a look to see what fundraising group is doing a tombola where bottles would be very welcome as donations.  

Brie

Don't forget that the summer break is coming for schools and that this puts a lot of financial pressure on families with children. 

Lots of people depend on school lunches to ensure kids get a decent meal so school break means that an extra 5 meals a week need to be found for each child.  Lots of schools also provide breakfasts and snacks too so those need to be funded by families. 

Add to that keeping kids entertained, that parents need to take time off, sometimes unpaid, to look after kids that normally would be at school.  There's the additional pressure of seasonal things that families want to do.  We all know that travel costs go up for holidays but even parking charges increase near beaches where an otherwise free day might be had.  

So please check what your local food bank might need to give everyone a nice lunch during the summer.  Also check with those that are a FB+ that provide extra stuff if they need things like sunscreen, footballs, colouring books, whatever is great to keep kids happy and healthy until school starts again.

Cherryfudge

Thanks for the reminder, @Brie. I understand there are a couple of apps now which can be used to check what's needed at particular foodbanks.

MSE_Laura_F

That's handy about the apps @Cherryfudge. Is it Bank the Food? I've heard of another one too but never tried any.

If anyone has experience with the apps, I'd be very grateful to hear about it. 🙏

Cherryfudge

MSE_Laura_F said:

That's handy about the apps @Cherryfudge. Is it Bank the Food? I've heard of another one too but never tried any.

If anyone has experience with the apps, I'd be very grateful to hear about it. 🙏

I think there are several now: I need to do my research and download one: I've gone online before to see wat's needed locally (plenty of foodbanks have websites), but an app would be handier if I'm at the shops.

Brie

@MSE_Laura_F
@Cherryfudge

I've downloaded BANKTHEFOOD and my foodbank is listed so I'll double check with them when I'm there tomorrow to see what they think of the app and if they prefer another.  And then I'll try to remember to report back!!!