Hello all! Hope you are all well. This blog is about donating to Food Banks and why it is important to support your community. As the colder weather creeps in (can’t believe it’s October already!!) it get’s closer to Christmas, being the most expensive time of the year. Many families or people living alone are on a low income and this makes Christmas extremely difficult, so when an unexpected bill comes along or a house hold appliance breaks, getting money for food just isn’t an option.
The Trussell Trust’s network of 428 foodbanks works to tackle food poverty and hunger in our local communities, as well as across the UK. The Foodbank Network was founded in 2004 after four years of developing the original foodbank based in Salisbury.
“In 2017/18, The Trussell Trust’s Foodbank Network provided 1,332,952 three-day emergency food supplies and support to UK people in crisis. Of these, 484,026 went to children. As a network, we want to see more people helped out of crisis and fewer people needing foodbanks in the future. That’s why The Trussell Trust and local foodbanks are working together to develop new ways to help people out of crisis through programmes like More Than Food.”
Local Food Banks provide 3 days of food for the people or person referred to them in need of one. But how are the donations of in-date food obtained? The answer is easy.. YOU! Many supermarkets such as ASDA and Tesco have a collection point where you can donate food and important essentials. After the food is collected volunteers then sort it out into packages for the person who is going to receive the Food Bank package.
But how can we identify a person or family in need? Professionals such as doctors, health visitors, district nurses, social workers and police can refer them to the Food Bank programme and issue them with vouchers. Not only can they help but if you are a neighbour, friend or family member you can also make a difference. Pop round and see they have plenty food to eat this winter, go round and visit with some coffee, tea and biscuits and some milk. Have a chat and make sure they are doing OK and know that you are there for them. If you see an elderly person who is struggling, pop round with a box of supplies; they will be extremely grateful. Volunteers meet clients over a warm drink or free hot meal and are able to signpost people to agencies able to solve the longer-term problem.
After doing the weekly shop today, I realised I had things I could donate that I hadn’t even opened! It gave me inspiration to spread the word and get us all to work together and help each other. As someone who struggled a few years ago, I received a few Food Bank parcels and I will forever be grateful to the people who worked long hours in all weathers to provide me with food and deliver it to me because that got me back on my feet at a very difficult time where i was battling not only physical illness but also mental illness from the stress. The Food Bank is only existing because people in the community donate, without the donations the charity simply wouldn’t exist and to me, that’s pretty incredible.
So I ask those of you who have supplies that haven’t been opened and have been sitting for a while that still have a good few months of date left on them to donate and help others in need. Or if you are doing your weekly shop buy a few little things to pop into your local collection point. To find your local Food Bank please click here. Let’s help those in need, but not just once. Donations are received all year round so donate when you can!
If you need help please contact via Contact Us – The Trussell Trust.
Take care all and remember; you are NOT alone. Don’t be embarrassed by something out of your control!
Please also keep warm this winter.
–Alannah.
alannahjaynesblog.com 
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