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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Foodbank Treats

160 replies

Piratepete1 · 12/10/2015 22:40

Inspired by another thread...

I try to take a Foodbank package to our local church as often as I can. I tend to stick to the usual things that are filling, nutritious, can be eaten without access to power etc.

But after reading a thread about a kind mumsnetters gesture at a checkout I would like to add something as a treat for the children (and the rest of the family) but I'm worried it might be seen as frivolous and frowned upon?? Has anyone got any suggestions?

OP posts:
Twindroops · 13/10/2015 14:18

I put biscuits in and have put a couple of advent calendars in this week.

NotAnotherMonday · 13/10/2015 14:22

When I was a poor student my mum used to send me packages with "treats". Stuff like hot chocolate, branded shower gels/shampoos that I'd never be able to afford myself, crisps (tubes of pringles?), chocolate biscuits etc.

She also made sure I went back to university at the start of the term with enough Sanitary Towels and Tampons for me plus about 20 other women (she was scared that I'd be caught short, and didn't want that), so you could include something like that.

Pointlessfan · 13/10/2015 14:35

I think advent calendars are a great idea as a little treat. I usually buy the biscuits that are 3 packs for £1 in Asda and tea/coffee for the food bank as well as tins of soup. I struggle to function without a brew in the morning so I assume others are the same. I also donated some nappies that DD had outgrown but the local bank didn't want them, the one near my mum took them though.

velourvoyageur · 13/10/2015 14:47

MammaTJ Flowers hope things get better for you v. soon

has anyone had an online shop delivered to a food bank?

Electrolux2 · 13/10/2015 14:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Seriouslyffs · 13/10/2015 14:50

The well hidden Ocado link is here

Electrolux2 · 13/10/2015 14:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SouthWestmom · 13/10/2015 14:59

We shouldn't really have to have foodbanks should we? I mean it's madness in such a well off country - how can people need to go and literally ask for food?

Crazypetlady · 13/10/2015 15:03

Really inspired by this thread have found my local foodbank to donate to.
I know it's not food but what about magazines in with the food?

EllyHigginbottom · 13/10/2015 15:04

I would assume it is more cost efficient to donate money than add food bank donations onto your groceries. Correct?

AnneLovesGilbert · 13/10/2015 15:09

Lovely thread and so many brilliant ideas. Also been inspired to find my local food bank and will start a regular donation. Tampons and nappies were one of my first thoughts, also toothpaste and nice toiletries - in addition to food. My local one has a very proscriptive list but assuming they don't turn this sort of stuff away, and it's a well thought out starter list.

Katie2001 · 13/10/2015 15:09

Inspired by this, I just emailed my local foodbank to see what they would find most useful. They've said bags for life are really useful at the moment! Along with steamed puddings, dishcloths and washing up liquid. I wouldn't have thought of any of those.

MidniteScribbler · 13/10/2015 15:15

The only thing you mention that I am not so sure about is the cake mixes - partly because they may need an egg, and partly because some people will not have an oven to use, or will not be able to afford to use the oven. From what I understand from other threads like this one, even if someone has an oven, it is a more expensive way to cook because it uses power for longer - and people may not be able to use their oven to cook meals, let alone treats.

The foodbank I donate to is happy to take cake mixes. There are some cake mixes which need just water, and for some people, being able to 'bake' is important to them.

NickyEds · 13/10/2015 15:25

My local food bank always needs jam, marmalade and spreads (even nutella etc) because they get so much cheap bread donated so need things to go on it to cheer it up and add calories.

00100001 · 13/10/2015 15:51

coffee is requested at ours :)

TalkinPeece · 13/10/2015 15:59

Having been shopping with a friend who is otherwise reliant on food banks :

Jars of pasta sauce
Tins of ravioli
Tins of tuna
Bags of pasta
Strong cheddar cheese
Tins of rice pudding
Bottles of squash
Long life bread rolls

This person avoids sugary foods, goes for high protein and savoury carbs as they keep the tummy busy for longer
and the best foods are the ones that can be kept on the shelf they has no access to a fridge for a week or two.

whois · 13/10/2015 16:06

has anyone had an online shop delivered to a food bank?

Yes.

I prefer to just give a donation of money now to the local food bank, who needs all this angst about what to pick and what not to pick and oh goodness should I get the value or the non-value. I trust in the foodbank to buy the most appropriate items as required.

whois · 13/10/2015 16:10

I would assume it is more cost efficient to donate money than add food bank donations onto your groceries. Correct?

Of course But people seem to like to be highly invested in the process. Also removes issue of people wanting to directly help, not donate money which may be spent on overheads like rent and staff. Obviously those are just as important as the pack of biscuits, but most people like to think they made a little kid smile cos thy got a value biscuit, rather than think they contributed to the overall running of a valuable charity.

Lurkedforever1 · 13/10/2015 16:15

With luxuries it's more that if everyone bought more of them there'd be no essentials. I'll buy eg a character bubble bath instead of normal, or kids toothpaste etc. Or a few edible treats. I buy all our groceries in poundland, b&m, aldi etc so a few luxuries don't need to be instead of food.
Takes the piss though, in a country as wealthy as this donations for people who are struggling should only need to be luxuries not essentials for ffs. We should all be fucking donating so people have some treats, not to prevent starvation.

Ragwort · 13/10/2015 16:30

I would assume it is more cost efficient to donate money than add food bank donations onto your groceries. Correct?

Not always - I help at a food bank (an independent one) and we do receive a lot of financial donations - but it is quite an effort to then go and buy the food and transport it to the food bank - none of us are young Grin and the food bank is not that accessible, no easy parking - we tried an on-line grocery shop once but they wouldn't deliver it all the way.

But to answer the initial question - yes - 'treats' are always very welcome, we make up special Christmas parcels as well.

Anything - except baked beans Grin - is welcome !

ephemeralfairy · 13/10/2015 16:34

Tinned ham is a good idea, hadn't thought of that!
I usually put in stuff like tampons, big bottles of shampoo, washing up liquid soap, baby wipes. Stuff that is essential, but not food. Can't think of many worse things than having my period with no sanpro. Sometimes put in kid's bubble bath or posh shower gel.

ephemeralfairy · 13/10/2015 16:34

Also loo roll!!

RhodaBull · 13/10/2015 16:44

I don't know whether it caused some angst at the foodbank, but I once donated a bottle of whisky. I couldn't help thinking that the recipient would have been a darn sight happier with that than some basics pasta and tinned meat of no known origin...

Thatsbetter · 13/10/2015 16:51

I shop online with Ocado and donate via the 'you give we give' scheme

Thanks Meditrina, I shop with Ocado and I has no idea that they had this scheme. What's even better is that they match your donation £ for £

Seriouslyffs · 13/10/2015 16:51

Rhoda Grin
When we've had alcohol donated (Im not a foodbank worker but we share an office) we've sold it to staff for funds. There is no way a Foodbank could offer alcohol.

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