To anyone who has ever donated to a food bank...

Pet foods also are sometimes needed.

So pleased you're safe OP, very best of luck to you

That's an amazing post OP at all levels. Best of luck. And thank you.

My local food bank took both dried and little bottles of formula from me. The guy said there was some debate about whether they would take it or not but it was regularly requested.

We give any formula to the local children's centre.

I was in your position a year ago, I could of cried from gratification. I regularly leave items in the bins myself now to pay the kindness forwards.

I would suggest contacting your local children's centre re: formula.

The best advice I can give is to buy food that either can be eaten hot or cold or that doesn't require a lot of heating up (power bills again!)

@DuggeesWoggle - I get the hot cereals that can be made with boiling water.

Maybe check the banks. I usually give the wee cartons of made up milk. I think some won’t take the dried for some reason. Can this be acquired from doctors or health visitors (I’m sure I saw a poster in my old baby clinic).

I think it's ridiculous that formula milk can't be supplied!

Is there any way to help families needing infant formula? It's expensive stuff and it's not always a choice to use it. Would love to be able to help a family in need of this.

I usually pop in a box of ready brek as I buy some for us so it has become automatic to stick an extra one in the trolley but perhaps it's not such a great idea if many recipients don't have access to a microwave. I guess you can make it on a hob?

Hope things get better for you @ThrowThoseCurtainsWide

I like to regularly add to the food bank box, particularly sticking in some nice bits ( chocolate!). You never know, one day you may need to ask for help yourself

I’m glad the OP had found her feet and also realised that there are people out there who do care and will support each other.

Chin up! Onwards and upwards!

Oh op. That brought a tear to my eye. I wish you all the luck in the world.

I donate sanpro, toiletries, small sets of shower gel, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner. I really hope it does get passed on as well as the food.
I wish you all the luck in the world OP.

Op...so happy to hear things are getting better for you x

Also...try not to include microwave food.

Lots of our clients do not have one, have one but cant pay their power bill or are homeless.

Thanks!

I wish you all the best to you and your dc, well done op for getting out.

Stay safe and much strength to you.

I generally pop in baby food, toddler snacks and nappies (makes me incredibly sad though). Also loo roll and toiletries if it’s going to homeless charities.

Thank god for food banks. Who did people rely on before? I remember unions helping out when we had all the strikes in the 70s.

Food banks do accept non food items.

San pro, nappies, cleaning products, toiletries....we aren't allowed to give out infant formula (which I think is mad but its policy)

Do check out your local food bank fb page as they often have a preferred shopping list of things they are short of.

We find the following always needed:
Coffee
Tea
Uht milk
Uht juice
Rice pudding
Tinned meat
Tinned fish
Mens toiletries

"I often wonder why food banks don't ask for non perishables beyond food. I mean shower gel, washing powder, shampoo, tooth paste "

Mine does. I thought they all wouid

Loo roll (in smaller packs) is always welcome. As is deodorant and washing up liquid/sponges.

When I do my big food shop I always get things for the food bank. If there isn't one in Aldi for example, I buy a few extras in there and drop it off at another shop's collection point (other shops don't care where the stuff comes from).
I explain to my grandson that not every one is as lucky as him, with nice stuff and special treats and I get him to think about nice things for the children that don't have much money. (That's not meant to sound patronizing, it's just the way I found easiest to explain to a 4/5 year old).
I try to get 3 things each week, 1 needed, 1 nice and 1 different. So needed- tinned veg, long life milk, tuna, beans, pasta, rice etc. Nice- biscuits, squash, little packets of Smarties, packet cake, tinned puddings etc, which usually my grandson picks. Different- shampoo, wet wipes, sanitary towels, toothpaste, loo rolls, washing powder or liquid etc.
At Christmas I buy a big bag of Christmas treats, tree decorations, little mince pies, little pack of Christmas cards(no little kid wants to be the only one that can't send their friends cards) advent calendar, Christmas pudding, chocolate biscuits etc.
From what I know from my local food bank, they divide essentials up plus add a little treat if they can to each food parcel. The extra stuff, like deodorant, shampoo, cleaning stuff, is left on a big table and people can help themselves within reason to "extras ". At Christmas they try and give everyone a bit extra in the treat department, as a lot of stuff donated then is obviously Christmas themed!
Same at Easter, I usually buy a couple of chocolate rabbits, eggs, bars of chocolate etc as extras.
I'm very passionate about giving to the food bank, I'm aware I'm lucky that I've never needed to use one although I don't think they were about so much when my kids were little and I was struggling as a single parent. I'd hate to think of a kiddie on Christmas morning without a treat of something.
Sorry to rant on, but it's a subject dear to my heart. I'm glad OP you've been given a helping hand from your local food bank, and best wishes for your future.

You are a Queen. No thanks needed - it's all you deserve X

Good luck OP

This is my perennial plug for anyone who uses Ocado. They have a food bank voucher scheme and if you donate eg £5 they match it (can donate more) and the food bank gets to choose what they need. I think it’s such a great scheme and very easy.