Food Bank Reverse Christmas Advent Calendar Challenge!

Brie

Murphybear said:

The food bank is part of a national chain and they have supply stations dotted about.  The people who run ours collects the frozen chickens early on the morning, about half an hour away.  They have a refrigerated van which helps as it means we can accept a good supply of fresh and frozen food.

One Saturday we had lots of bags of frozen peas and fresh potatoes.  So with the chickens that was Sunday lunch sorted 

 The supermarkets are generous, they supply so much and it’s not just food which has practically reached its “use by” date.  

I sweat the local Lidl and Sainsbury bake more than they need at times - we get inundated!!  Which is fine!

(I'm guessing Trussell Trust?)

Brie

OK - so today on my calendar is the day to buy chutney and tomorrow it's mince pies!  Please don't forget to check the BBDs on the pies in particular.  We had someone deliver a whole box (like 40 packages) of mince pies to the FB last year and they were all BBD were early December!!  Not a problem as some people are happy to have them early but getting that close to BBD it can be difficult getting rid as the donor intended.  We do have a place for things that are past their BBD but strictly speaking we cannot give it away in a food parcel.  

But whatever you are buying and getting ready to take in, or even leaving at the exits at your local shop thank you for the effort you are making.  It makes a huge difference to some people.  It's not just food in their tummies but it's nice and seasonal stuff and it shows that people care.  That can make a huge difference.

sarah1972

Our local food bank has just advertised theirs. 

Brie

@sarah1972
Thanks for this - it's a great way to stock up and make a donation to the food bank just after the holidays. 

Times like Christmas (and school holidays) can really deplete a food banks' reserves which seems much worse at a time when one would like there to be plenty.  Christmas is a double whammy as some employers shut down and kids are off school. Any time kids are off school parents may have to take time off too - and often unpaid.  So no money and lots of empty tummies.  

And good to see coffee on here too!!  I think it's one of the standards that every household wants - well coffee or tea!

And just as an aside - we have a small glut of produce from the local allotments.  I know it won't last much longer given the cold weather.  But do you think I can convince people to try butternut squash!!?!  It's so easy to prepare and there's relatively little waste!  Slice off the top and the bottom, cut in half, scoop out the seeds (I then quarter) and then roast. Same temperature as a jacket potato but for only about 40 minutes.  The peel is edible once it's roasted or you can scoop the flesh out and mash or make into soup.  EASY!

jennystarpepper

Maybe a little late, tinned salmon has been requested by the charity I give too, tinned meat would also be ok.  I've made up a hamper for a local charity to give out and they asked / recommended this. I also put in a tin of Carnation milk as some (maybe older people) would have put this on tinned fruit and puddings. A box of crackers or nuts?

Jelly or Angel delight maybe helpful to those with children and they last well. 

Brie

@jennystarpepper
some places will remove anything with nuts for fear of allergies.  so crackers may be a better option?  

I was looking at the custard the other day and wondered whether I should buy a packet or a tub.  As in a one off packet of Birds that might cost 79p as opposed to a tub that could be used for multiple times for £1.90.  I'm leaning towards the tub as being a more flexible item.  

Brie

Talking to our Food Bank lead today and she said 2 of the items they never have enough of are shower gel (generic is best) and washing up liquid!!    Noticed that Lidl have one of their Cien shower gels at 45p.  Meanwhile washing up liquid starts at 69p. 

Brie

Just wanted to pop back on here to thank everyone who may have done a reverse advent over the last month.  

Don't forget too that you can continue to add to your own collection box or one at the shops - unfortunately the need will still be there come January!