Food banks

[Vates]

Surely the cost of living crisis is pushing up demand but seeing the donating going down?

I cannot afford to donate anymore and definitely feel guilty when I do the shuffle past the trolley in my local asda. There have been so many times I have put one or two items in my basket online (I don't shop online but put everything in the basket so I know, roughly as deals differ, what I am going to spend) but then taken them out because it has reached my maxium budget. I am on a low income (esa and pip disability payments).

I feel for people without food but me feeling bad won't fill anybody up! I spoke to my Sister (in a different situation to me, works fulltime and has a small amount spare each month) and she says she will put in some items for both of us.

Are people still donating? It just seems so hard for everyone at the moment.

I volunteer at a foodbank and yes, the number of people coming is higher and donations are lower, and it's only going to get worse.

That's kind of your sister. BUT please don't feel bad- we can all only do what we can. There are other ways to help, for example liking and sharing your local Foodbank's Facebook posts helps increase visibility.

I still drop off off surplus food at our local supermarket donations bin but less often.

This has been on my mind a lot and I'm fortunate that so far cost of living hasn't made a big impact on me so I've been upping my donations and have been in touch with my local community support centre who told me they were desperate for SanPro and toiletries so I made sure to get a load of that. I hope that I can keep up with the donations and that others who are able to will keep donating.

I use to donate to my nearest food bank every two weeks, but I will have to stop altogether in August once the ULEZ expansion is introduced as there aren’t any local transport links and it will cost me £12.50 in ULEZ fees.

Yes donations are down and need is up. I help at one in a better off area and we send our surpluses to neighbouring food banks if they are short. The distance we are sending food is not as far as it was.... We used to give it to ones in city centres but now it is to neighbouring wards that used to be ok. It is a worry.