to ask people to donate money, not food, to food banks?

[Valanice1989]

I've just been thinking about this because it's getting close to Christmas, when more people start making charitable donations. Many food banks cut out the middleman and buy food wholesale in bulk. Cash donations also allow them to prioritise things people really need.

Yes, but don't forget there are many charities that could do with donated money at this time of year, the Dogs Home, Cats Home etc. If fact the Dogs Home would love some extra chewies at Christmas.

There's a special 'dog kennel'at Tesco for any donations of dog or cat food - i often buy an extra tin the the 'kennel' when I'm shopping.

Blood Donation
Organ Donation

No this is exactly what we do. I say it’ll probably go further if I don’t go and buy it, and I’d bet my bottom dollar that everyone makes a donation at Christmas but doesn’t continue year round, this way maybe my donation will come in handy when there are less donations being given.

I have a limited budget for charity giving which has already gone elsewhere but as I pass the collection point for the food bank at the door of Tesco I can and will pull something out of my weekly shop to donate. Maybe only the spare pack from the multi buy or a pocket of biscuits but I can usually find something to donate but won’t often have spare cash.

It’s a good point but I’m sure foodbanks are grateful for both the donated food and any donated money.

Definitely room for different sorts of contributions.

One year when we donated money we had a lovely email back saying, "Thank you so much for the cash, we didn't know how we were going to pay the electricity bill."

But for some people, getting a BOGOF and donating the extra tin will be the most efficient donation.

This has become my annual Xmas charity donation now - (a) it's easier for me than what I used to do, which was load up a trolley with stuff (I can do my donation from the comfort of my armchair and the Trussell Trust can buy whatever good are needed) and (b) I give them a lot more in cash than I ended up spending on the trolley of food.

Presumably donations of money can also be gift aided which gives the food bank an extra 25% on top (and if you're a higher rate tax payer you get £25 back so it only costs you £75).

No. I don't trust giving money. But I do trust when I give food donations.

Who don’t you trust? The food banks? What do you think they will do with your money apart from spend it on the things that they need

I didn't know you could donate money. I have got out of the habit now I have DD to lug around while shopping but would love to donate still.

Thanks for posting this thread Valanice. We used to donate actual stuff but then I started a monthly direct debit to Trussell but I wondered if I was being a bit lazy. I probably am but it's good to know that this is probably a more cost efficient way of donating.

I wonder if any of the government who have caused us to need food banks, donate?

What???? Don't trust giving money????

Food banks can have lots of expenses: rent for premises, fuel for delivery vehicles, someone should be paid to file the regulatory paperwork. Topping up on the precise foods people need, computers, printers, office equipment, etc.

Good idea to donate money to food banks, then they can buy what is needed. It's also a lot easier if you don't live near one. Some supermarkets have a place when you can put food and you can donate money with an Ocado order. I expect other places do the same.

I think it's best to ask the food bank staff, personally.

Or check their website.

If you donate to a food bank via Ocado they will give double that in groceries to the food bank (who get to choose what they want Ocado to deliver) link here Ocado.

Seems like a good scheme to me.

I have given vouchers through Ocado - as you say it seemed efficient. Sadly I am now boycotting ocado now due to their very questionable ethics. Do any othe supermarkets do similar?

I didn't even know you could donate money to the food bank.

YABU. And superior. And controlling.

Ethical Superstore are doing something similar supporting Newcastle West End food bank, which is local to them and also in an area of high need.

www.ethicalsuperstore.com/giving-on-black-friday-rather-than-taking/

It's not matched giving, but IIUC they give groceries for every £30 you spend with them. Plus you can add your own money donation at checkout.

YABU. And superior. And controlling.
What?
How do you get that from the OP?

MaisyPops my most local foodbank doesn't accept cash donations.

It's probably best everyone checks first.

She’s acting like no-one else has a clue about how to make a charitable donation effectively. HTH Maisy