Food Banks

We have a similar problem here apparently. It's not only the food banks, what about those on very tight budgets and those who can only walk to nearest store? They don't have the means , in any sense, to bulk buy or shop around. Our local neighbourhood watch has asked folk to say if they're short of something, maybe someone can help - at the price they paid!. Also means that those with transport can try to get items those folk can't secure. Hopefully a community spirit, we do have one here but not quite at this level yet, will prevail and we'll live in a nicer kinder world.

We have a good community spirit where I live and we're being asked to make sure any elderly residents have food in case they're afraid to venture out.

Our local Foodbank made the national press [Guardian] highlighting the complete absence of UHT milk and pasta [no mention of toilet rolls!] in local supermarkets so donations of these commodities had ceased. Friday shopping at our large Asda, no toilet roll, pasta or UHT milk anywhere, and the cashier said that it had all been 'bulk buy & grab'.

Interestingly, she said that she could not afford to bulk buy on her small earnings from what is effectively a part time post. Something I had never really thought about, and quite ironic in a sad way.

Steve

We usually do two or three Food Bank shops a year, nothing special just a large carrier bag full. Unfortunately we won't be doing it for the foreseeable future because we are avoiding supermarkets and shopping online. Might be an idea for supermarkets that do online shopping to allow you to donate that way?

David

I had a similar thought too, I know supermarkets donate surplus stock so they must be thwarted in their efforts due to stock piling. I'd be happy to add something to an order.

I've said to my elderly neighbours that I'll order things they want with my on line order if needed.

Our upstairs neighbour is 99 and still asks whether we need any shopping from the village ... Heart of gold, but getting a little slow on her pins, and her eyesight is fading, but a quiet determination to make it to the Co-op, however long it takes!

If I survive to that age in as good a state of health, relatively speaking, I shall be quite chuffed ...

Steve

Good post brue, as usual it’s going to be the vulnerable that suffer. I was very touched that the 18 year old son of my Mum’s next door neighbours stopped to chat and ask how she was. As a family they have hearts of gold, have always given a hand when we needed it. 

Tesco are now limiting certain items within online orders, and not guaranteeing anything on your actual order.

Bit political, but I can’t help thinking that some of the practices and policies of successive governments, and the loss of employment rights, is going to come home and bite on this one! None essential hospitality services are going to take a huge hit, along with the burgeoning beauty industry, and the Charity sectors. We contacted Mum’s regular Gardener today and said we were happy for them still to come, but will set up an automated payment just to limit interaction at the moment. Small businesses are going to need a lot of support.

Might be an idea for supermarkets that do online shopping to allow you to donate that way?

I do not do online food shops David but what a good idea. 

Some are delivering homemade printed cards to households in their community with the offer of help if needed, a good idea where the goods could be arranged to be dropped at the doorstep.