A food bank is a non-profit organisation that provides basic provisions for 3 days in the form of a food parcel for people who need it. The provisions include non-perishable food items (things that won't go off and don't need to be refrigerated such as tins and cereals), and basic toiletries. The items that are available are only available due to donations from the public. You may think that not many people find themselves having to turn to a food bank, but I was absolutely shocked to learn that over 1 million 3 day supplies were given out last year. That's one million people that have been in such a dire situation, they have had to go to a food bank to make sure that they and their children eat that night. It breaks my heart to think of that, so I wanted to write a post to spread the word and let you know how you can help if you are able to.
The question that runs through my mind is why has there been such a significant increase in the amount of Food Banks opening, and the amount of people needing them? According to the Trussell Trust the main three reasons for people needing to rely on food banks are:
1. Benefit Delays
2. Low Income
3. Benefit Changes
What strikes me is that these reasons are not the people fault. Delayed or changed benefits are out of their control, and when the benefit officials are contacted they are passed from pillar to post trying to chase it up. Meanwhile they are finding themselves having to use a food bank to support themselves. The same with a low income - it is a known fact that in London most wages do not cover the cost of living, even though you may be working long hard hours. I believe these issues should be tackled in parliament with the utmost importance.
Some more statistics on Food Banks: -
- There are currently nearly 500 Food Banks operating in the UK
- Over 10,000 tonnes of food were donated by the public last year alone
- 40,000 Doctors and Social Workers gave out Food Bank Vouchers last year
- 50,000 people volunteered to work with the food banks
As you can see, there are a lot of people relying on the use of Food Banks to survive. Here's how you can help...
Donate Supplies
The first way you can help is by donating supplies to fill the Food Parcels. It doesn't cost a lot to do. Simply find your local Food Bank - there are two options to do this. Firstly, most supermarkets have a brilliant system where, as you are doing your own shopping, you can add a few bits to it for the food bank and drop that into the supermarket's food bank collection which is located at the front of the shop. This saves you having to find a Food Bank and as you are already doing your shopping it's simple to add a few extras. Plus it might mean that you are able to regularly donate when you visit the supermarket. Secondly, you can find where your local Food Bank is and take your donations there. They are usually in Churches or Community Centres. See here where you can find one near you.
Once you have found the Food Bank you want to donate to, check with them what supplies they accept, or what they are in need of. Here is a list of basic supplies that complete a Food Parcel. They are inexpensive to buy and will help someone out a great deal!
- Cereal
- Soup
- Pasta
- Rice
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans
- Tinned Meat
- Tinned Vegetables
- Tea/Coffee/Hot Chocolate
- Sugar
- Biscuits
- Toothbrush + Toothpaste
- Baby Wipes
- Nappies
- Sanitary Items
These are just some basic supplies. You can add other bits, I like to include some sweets in case there are any children the parcel is going to. Just make sure that whatever you donate is a non-perishable. You may want to include some supplies for those with a dietary requirement also. It's best to check with the Food Bank you are donating to as they can give you an idea of exactly what they need.
Here are some links regarding supplies to donate...
Trussell Trust Food Parcel List
"20 Things Food Banks Need Most"
Volunteer
When volunteering and giving your time to help out at a Food Bank, you will be making the Food Parcels and distributing them, talking to the customers and helping them, receiving donations and stocking them. It's very fulfilling and a lovely thing to do. You can see here on how to volunteer, and also here.
To conclude, I just wanted to write a post today to spread the word about how many people are being forced to use Food Banks, and how you can help after I seen the staggering statistic on just how many people are actually having to use them. I hope the issues that are behind the reasons why will be tackled and help to decrease that number.
If you feel you need to use a food bank yourself, then please do. They are there to help and have the supplies you need. It is not your fault and it is okay to ask for help. You have not failed, the system has failed you. See here how to find one near you.
Thanks for reading!
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