FabSwingers.com forum: Food banks

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

This came up on another thread about how donations to food banks have significantly decreased.

Food banks are a vital local community service and I think they are going to be more vital than ever in the coming months.

If you don't normally donate to a food bank and you could afford to buy a couple of extra bits each week I can assure you this would be really gratefully received.

Food banks do not just give out food, A lot of them also are able to signpost people to additional services that could help them.

Most food banks will have a website or social media pages and usually update with lists of things they are short of.

If you would prefer to give a financial donation that would also be gratefully received so they can go and buy food they are specifically short of. Could you have a Box in your office and encourage people to put a tin in it each week? The other idea I love is the reverse advent calendar, So putting an item in a Box each day in December and then donating it to your food bank.

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By *lynJMan
over a year ago

Morden

Check out their website or Facebook page to find out what they are in need of. It's not always just food but things like toiletries and cleaning goods.

A lot of supermarkets have a box just after the checkouts for people to leave donations. Some supermarkets, like Tesco, will also give the foodbank a percentage (Tesco gives 20%) of the value of weight of the donation as cash on top.

At the moment, foods that don't require much cooking are very important.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Check out their website or Facebook page to find out what they are in need of. It's not always just food but things like toiletries and cleaning goods.

At the moment, foods that don't require much cooking are very important."

Good points. Yes food that has a long shelf life and can easily be cooked is important. I often put in tins of potatoes and smash.

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By *lynJMan
over a year ago

Morden

At my local foodbank, Fray Bentos steak and kidney puddings are very popular.

There's usually an excess of pasta and baked beans, but as mentioned, check out what they need.

There's also an app called "Bank the Food" which can let you know what your local foodbank is short of.

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By *abs..Woman
over a year ago

Good advice Lorna x

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"At my local foodbank, Fray Bentos steak and kidney puddings are very popular.

There's usually an excess of pasta and baked beans, but as mentioned, check out what they need.

There's also an app called "Bank the Food" which can let you know what your local foodbank is short of."

Thank you for this and I've never heard of that app so will check it out.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Our main food bank is focusing on providing no-cook packs for people with no access to cooking facilities, or those who cannot afford cooking facilities

There are hundreds more signing up for a subsidised fresh/ambient/chilled service who have not needed help previously.. Although some of the original subscribers are now moving away from fresh/chilled food provisions (they can't afford to store /cook it)

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Our main food bank is focusing on providing no-cook packs for people with no access to cooking facilities, or those who cannot afford cooking facilities

That's very interesting do you know what items would go in the non cook food packs? The other thing is if people would consider donating tin openers, When I have volunteered in a food bank you would be surprised at the number of people that didn't have one.

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By *lynJMan
over a year ago

Morden

There's also FareShare which is a charity that collects fresh food etc that's about to reach its use by date. This food is then distributed to other organizations that can use it to provide meals to those who need them.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Our main food bank is focusing on providing no-cook packs for people with no access to cooking facilities, or those who cannot afford cooking facilities

I'm not sure what they are putting in them - assuming those speedy noodles maybe? They are coming in next week, so I'll ask them

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By *lynJMan
over a year ago

Morden

An article from the BBC about a charity in the north east. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-62754483

I'd also guess things like tinned meat (e.g. chopped ham and pork) and tins of sardines will be useful.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

OP - we did the reverse advent calendar in November last year so that it could be distributed in December.

Lots of people are struggling to top up their energy meters as they have debt on them to pay off first. Things like cereal, long life milk, tinned fruit and cereal bars are being asked for at my local food bank. Also long life fruit juice.

Don't forget to donate toiletries and period products too.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Our main food bank is focusing on providing no-cook packs for people with no access to cooking facilities, or those who cannot afford cooking facilities

Ooh tin openers is a good call. I never thought of that.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think most prefer cash donations these days so they can actually get what they need, rather than relying in the random influx of what people think is needed.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think most prefer cash donations these days so they can actually get what they need, rather than relying in the random influx of what people think is needed."

Yes, our food bank are reluctant to take random donations

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I think most prefer cash donations these days so they can actually get what they need, rather than relying in the random influx of what people think is needed."

Very much depends on the food bank and what provision they have to go and buy things for example a Van and people to be able to do it. Most are more than happy to receive actual donations of food.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think most prefer cash donations these days so they can actually get what they need, rather than relying in the random influx of what people think is needed."

I've been popping bits into supermarket collection points but I think you're right. Cash means they can plan ahead. I've set up a regular payment as my local food bank will need help this winter.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

If you cannot give a cash donation or commit to a regular payment don't let this put you off as even

a 50P packet of pasta will be gratefully received.

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By *ambertMan
over a year ago

Cheltenham

For those of you who may not be able to donate to a food bank, and may struggle a bit yourselves can I suggest an app called "too good to go"? It let's you get bags of items on the cheap from local supermarkets, shops and takeaways. Always random but I tend to freeze a lot of it

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By *annaBeStrongMan
over a year ago

wokingham

What’s a food bank like? Can anyone go?

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By *lynJMan
over a year ago

Morden

"What’s a food bank like? Can anyone go?"

Normally you need to be referred by a local agency such as Citizens Advice, Age UK, a school or local community centre.

If you are in desperate need, some food banks operate an out of hours service that you can phone and they will provide food to you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"What’s a food bank like? Can anyone go?"

They're all quite different, so it's hard to generalise.

However, proof of eligibility is usually required for access such as benefits or evidence of low income.

Due to how much life has changed in recent years though, that metrics laughably inadequate as a means of identifying need.

It's best to call your local provider, ask, go from there.

As to what they're like, an essential service helping normal people survive in very peculiar times.

The fact we need them at all, let alone how many more have had to be started in recent years is a damning indictment of... Well, we all know the answers to that and it's too early for me to go down that road.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think most prefer cash donations these days so they can actually get what they need, rather than relying in the random influx of what people think is needed.

Very much depends on the food bank and what provision they have to go and buy things for example a Van and people to be able to do it. Most are more than happy to receive actual donations of food. "

Oh I know, don't think I'm being difficult, quite rightly anything is better than nothing and people should do what's within their means.

However, cash, buying power, stock control, they've become community run shops and services now, far beyond the scope of a bit of this and that.

We'll look back at this in years gone by, and be left with some rather difficult questions as to how.

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By *essie.Woman
over a year ago

Serendipity

Our local one is working with other agencies to provide fuel vouchers as well as food. This helps top up pre-payment meters.

They also give out vouchers to spend at the butcher and the greengrocer, so that service users get some fresh produce as well.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"What’s a food bank like? Can anyone go?"

It totally depends as there are many variations on food banks and each one will have its own policies.

Traditional food banks almost always you will need to be referred, That can be by the job centre, Social worker, health visitor and many more.

Community pantries and fridges are normally a case of anyone can go.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I think most prefer cash donations these days so they can actually get what they need, rather than relying in the random influx of what people think is needed.

Very much depends on the food bank and what provision they have to go and buy things for example a Van and people to be able to do it. Most are more than happy to receive actual donations of food.

Oh I know, don't think I'm being difficult, quite rightly anything is better than nothing and people should do what's within their means.

However, cash, buying power, stock control, they've become community run shops and services now, far beyond the scope of a bit of this and that.

We'll look back at this in years gone by, and be left with some rather difficult questions as to how."

I didn't suggest you were being difficult I just think it's important for people to know that anything Would be gratefully received. Many are not like community shops and actually they are often too very different things.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I think most prefer cash donations these days so they can actually get what they need, rather than relying in the random influx of what people think is needed.

Very much depends on the food bank and what provision they have to go and buy things for example a Van and people to be able to do it. Most are more than happy to receive actual donations of food.

Oh I know, don't think I'm being difficult, quite rightly anything is better than nothing and people should do what's within their means.

However, cash, buying power, stock control, they've become community run shops and services now, far beyond the scope of a bit of this and that.

We'll look back at this in years gone by, and be left with some rather difficult questions as to how."

Most food banks are very well organised and have never been just a bit of this are a bit of that.

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By *lynJMan
over a year ago

Morden

"I think most prefer cash donations these days so they can actually get what they need, rather than relying in the random influx of what people think is needed.

Very much depends on the food bank and what provision they have to go and buy things for example a Van and people to be able to do it. Most are more than happy to receive actual donations of food.

Oh I know, don't think I'm being difficult, quite rightly anything is better than nothing and people should do what's within their means.

However, cash, buying power, stock control, they've become community run shops and services now, far beyond the scope of a bit of this and that.

We'll look back at this in years gone by, and be left with some rather difficult questions as to how.

Just to reinforce this,

Check their website/social media to find out what they need.

Talk to the people running the foodbank to see what they prefer in terms of goods or cash.

See if you can volunteer, there's many roles at a foodbank from talking to clients to working in the stockroom.

All foodbanks are different but they serve a common need.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think most prefer cash donations these days so they can actually get what they need, rather than relying in the random influx of what people think is needed.

Very much depends on the food bank and what provision they have to go and buy things for example a Van and people to be able to do it. Most are more than happy to receive actual donations of food.

Oh I know, don't think I'm being difficult, quite rightly anything is better than nothing and people should do what's within their means.

However, cash, buying power, stock control, they've become community run shops and services now, far beyond the scope of a bit of this and that.

We'll look back at this in years gone by, and be left with some rather difficult questions as to how.

Most food banks are very well organised and have never been just a bit of this are a bit of that. "

From inception, where they started to how its run now. The difference can be immense.

It's not a comment to denigrate, merely highlighting how they've rapidly developed in terms of services and logistics to meet needs.

It's equally wonderful to see such community spirit, effort and support, as well as soul crushing reality that we need it today. It's not that we don't have enough, or make enough food, it's the economic and social abuse of others that's left people vulnerable.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

A nearby food bank does a door step collection.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"If you cannot give a cash donation or commit to a regular payment don't let this put you off as even

a 50P packet of pasta will be gratefully received. "

Actually it costs our food bank more to store pasta in their warehouse than it would to purchase it when they need it and so they specially say 'no pasta'

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By *lynJMan
over a year ago

Morden

"If you cannot give a cash donation or commit to a regular payment don't let this put you off as even

a 50P packet of pasta will be gratefully received.

Actually it costs our food bank more to store pasta in their warehouse than it would to purchase it when they need it and so they specially say 'no pasta' "

They probably say the same thing about tins of baked beans.

That's why it's important to check on what your local foodbank needs.

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By *iamondCougarWoman
over a year ago

Norfuck! / Lincolnshire

A much better approach to this topic thank you Lorna

I usually buy a few bits extra and pop in the donations section at the supermarket

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"If you cannot give a cash donation or commit to a regular payment don't let this put you off as even

a 50P packet of pasta will be gratefully received.

Actually it costs our food bank more to store pasta in their warehouse than it would to purchase it when they need it and so they specially say 'no pasta'

They probably say the same thing about tins of baked beans.

That's why it's important to check on what your local foodbank needs."

Definitely this.

They all operate very differently.

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By *lynJMan
over a year ago

Morden

"If you cannot give a cash donation or commit to a regular payment don't let this put you off as even

a 50P packet of pasta will be gratefully received.

Actually it costs our food bank more to store pasta in their warehouse than it would to purchase it when they need it and so they specially say 'no pasta'

They probably say the same thing about tins of baked beans.

That's why it's important to check on what your local foodbank needs.

Definitely this.

They all operate very differently. "

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