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

[ThrowThoseCurtainsWide]

Thank you, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you

The DCs and I left our family home this week. as we were fleeing domestic violence. It's been a really shitty week, but thanks to all of your food bank donations our cupboard looks like this. The volunteers there were so welcoming to me, gave me tea, checked I was okay and they're going to make sure there are some bits waiting for me next week that weren't available today.

I've been overwhelmed by the generosity of people. Friends of a friend have given us bags of toys.

If you ever lose your faith in mankind, remember that the kindness of strangers has provided food and happiness to my children this week. I couldn't be more grateful.

Thank you

Good luck op. I often wonder why food banks don't ask for non perishables beyond food. I mean shower gel, washing powder, shampoo, tooth paste ext ext. I know food is the primary concern but if items like these were also put in people's bags at the food bank it would release some of the client's money for them to buy fresh things the food bank can't store, like bread, potatoes, eggs, fruit. I always look at the advised list at my local supermarket and thought of asking them to add these things to the list.

You're welcome, OP. I've donated and used a food bank myself, I know what it feels like. Hope your life gets better.

Wishing you all the best OP may i ask what items were particularly helpful? i would love to know which bits and bobs actually get used up x

Best of luck OP

Sending so much love to you, hope you have a great new start



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.

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

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.

"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.

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 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.

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

Stay safe and much strength to you.

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!

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

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.

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

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!

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 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?

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

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).

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

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!)