General Chat

Thats a very good point, regarding different cultures when donating. I guess rice is eaten by most around the world but it might be worth thinking about what you want to donate.


Hmmm, food for thought (sorry!)

The Catholic charity Caritas runs a food bank here in Menorca & has seen the demand quadruple over the past 2 years.
Most of the people it helps are immigrants to the Island & not necessarily Catholics.
Up to a few months ago, expat Brits who weren´t working were getting a lot of help, because there is no Welfare State in Spain, so if you don´t work, you literally have no income.
Please remember when donating food that there are lots of ethnic minority people using the banks, for whom some British staples may not be appropriate

Couldnt agree more Ann


http://www.metro.co.uk/news/890468-70-per-cent-of-british-families-on-the-brink-of-poverty-research-claims

It is terrible that people in uk are reduced to using food banks but they are. With no work and having more outgoing than in coming they have become necessary. I saw in the paper where some mothers are not having a meal every day preferring to feed the children. Hard to imagine isn't it. Yes, I am sure some will smoke, but then most may have adapted to roll their own and it would be hard to give up when you also have no food. Our Tesco also collects for a food bank.

Well done Brian. I know you are not the only poster who helps with food banks. They are absolujtley essentiial.

The growth has been phenomenal both here and in USA. You may remember that we had a thread recently about food banks in Colorado. People helping with food banks last year and being very wealthy in UK terms suddenly found themselves as recipients. Even sinking funds (savings) of $50,000 doesn't stop you from sinking fast and eventually drowning if you lose a job and an income stream. :-( :-(

Well done Brian :-)

I often put something in the trolley in our local supermarket for the foodbank. Tins, packets, or things like washing up liquid, cleaning stuff are welcome.

Looking on the web site, there is a 'shopping list' given of foods they ask for

Milk
(UHT or powdered)
Sugar (500g)
Long life fruit juice
Tins of Soup
Pasta sauces
Sponge pudding (tin)
Tinned Tomatoes
Breakfast cereals
Tinned Rice pudding
Tea Bags
Jar of instant coffee
Instant mash potato
500gms Rice
500gms Pasta
Tinned meat/fish
Tinned fruit
Jar of Jam
Packets of biscuits
Snacks

As many know, Waitrose branches donate £1000 per month split between 3 charities/organisations nominated by the local customers. You put a token in the appropriate box on your way out. One of them this month is the local Foodbank.

Thanks for that Brian.

As Kay says, foodbanks need anything that is non-perishable or does not need refrigeration.
Most tinned foods are good with the emphasis on main courses such as meat, potatoes & other vegetables, pasta & sauces.
We vary our request list according to what we have in stock.
Toiletries, nappies, toilet rolls, toothpaste etc. to a certain extent.
The umbrella organisation is The Trussell Trust who can put you in touch with your local organisation. There are collection points in most towns.

I agree Kay, we always ask what he had for lunch and he is so proud to tell us.

I must share this with you, with so much advertising on tv the children are brainwashed with all the toys,it must truly be a nightmare for parents on a low income. Also confusing for the children with so much choice. I was sitting talking to my grandson on Sunday and asked if he wanted anything special from me he gave me the biggest smile, his face actually lit up, and said " A Spiderman electric toothbrush" well, I was somewhat taken back and asked "Where can I buy one of those from" he replied "The toothbrush aisle in Tesco" <3 <3 <3

Stray,,,,,,,ours could come to grandmas at times for lunch.....but a firm NO ,wants to stay with school buddies instead.

talk about rejected..... :-D :-D :-D.

mine takes a packed dnner because hes so fussy, :-| lol

My g/son takes his own lunch food and swops with the other brekkie children!!.

small children are great copy cats or a need to prove when with others their own age......thats why like Paulas g/son comes home with an empty box..

Sharron,,,,,,Schools are not qualified to engage money matters with people,,,,there are relevant people who help with this.

Sharron,

Multi purpose food,,,

tin mince and onions can be used in a few ways and bulked up ,,,,,with rice,pasta ,made into pasties,pies ...
tins corned beef can be multi used,
tin stewed steak.
instant potato mix,
pasta.
rice.
tin tomatoes./ beans/and veg.
gravy mixes.
packet adds for meals.

cake mixes.etc.

anything with a shelf life.......

good work Brian.......

My grandson is four years old and has recently started to become very picky with his food, also takes ages to eat it. He is now in Nursery and takes a packed lunch, the teachers told his Mummy he is eating everything and his lunch box comes back empty.

I agree with Brian W. The food banks are short term measures to assist people in a time of crisis. I understand that some Co-Op stores are collecting unwanted cans to distribute to needy people, you can take any food tins as long as they are within their "sell buy" date. I think this is a fantastic idea. :-D

totally agree Gins,
imagine feeling so so low you need help with basic foods?
regardless of what other luxiouries they have its not up to us to judge,


lol Kay, same here, infact im off this morning but hes still gone to brekkie club as his friends go and after eating they play games he loves it, so its not always about free breakfasts,

Maybe schools should be teaching budgeting so we don't get into this situation again.

The very fact that there is a need for food banks in the 21st century is a sad reflection of Britain today

I can’t imagine anyone having to use this service 'enjoys' the process

We should show a little compassion and not judge the people who so desperately need help and support in times of austerity


We need more people like Brian :-)

My g/son goes to breekie club,,,,,,,he loves it,,,,,and after school some days,,,,,,,he choose to go,,,,,,,not pushed or in need,,,,,,,,its not free to him either.

Too right Stray.!

Food Banks give the basics......other agencies work with these families on how to get the best from what they have been given......a win win,,,,,,,food banks get tremendous satisfaction and the recipients dont go hungry for a day,,,,,

We have a collecting area for a food bank at the village lunch and I never know what to take to add to it.

I had thought about a couple of Fray Bentos pies because I use them sometimes to feed the mob.