Food bank crisis – how to support your community this winter

During the pandemic, food banks became a lifeline for many. The strain on charities was immense, with fewer donations and fewer staff delivering food to more in need than had been required prior to the pandemic.

We all hoped that we could all return to ‘normal’ once COVID was better controlled by the immunisation programme, and demand on charities would decrease as life and the economy stabilised. Sadly, nobody could have predicted Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or the political turmoil teamed with inflation, pushing the price of some food items up by an incredible 65%, that has only served to make life harder for many.

Cut to Winter 2022, and the Trussell Trust, the UK’s leading hunger charity, has stated that “an emergency food parcel is being given out every 13 seconds” while preparing to distribute 1.3 million emergency food parcels over winter to help the soaring numbers of households in need.

As a result of the increasing need, teamed with the price of budget supermarket food rising by 17% as inflation hits a 40-year high, food banks are having to find the money to pay for price-inflated extra supplies.

Charity ‘Broke’ estimates the cost of a single food parcel has increased by £19!

With increased costs faced by many in the UK, it’s not just those struggling on benefits that are turning to food banks. Horrifying stories of key workers from the NHS and the Fire Brigade using food banks as other costs soar also recently reached the front pages as inflation continues to grow faster than wages. It has also been reported in the national press that Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has emailed staff advising them they can be issued with Stockport Food Bank vouchers if they are struggling.

Hunger in the UK

The State of Hunger research programme, carried out by Heriot-Watt University, was conducted as a major study on hunger in the UK. In 2021, the study reviewed the number of food parcels distributed each year, which has increased by a whopping 128% over a five-year period.  Prior to this winter, up to 6% of all UK households are supported by an independent food bank or a food bank in the Trussell Trust network.

Independent Food Aid Network data goes further to state that demand has risen further since July 2022, and nearly 10 million adults and 4 million children are skipping meals and experiencing food insecurity. Half of food banks surveyed may not be able to support everyone who needs their help, or may have to reduce the size of the parcels to meet the growing demand.

Those new to benefits, whether finding themselves suddenly unemployed, or divorced and starting from scratch, are shocked to discover that Universal Credit can take five weeks to process, while bills still need to be paid. And for those that do claim, many find that their income from benefits is woefully insufficient, with this stress increasing in line with the rate of inflation.

Unexpected higher demand in August and September has also meant that many food banks have been unable to stockpile enough food ready for their busiest time of year. While charities continue to apply political pressure, there are some things we can all do to help communities in need.

What can you donate to food banks?

Most food banks are seeking ‘the staples’; items that have a long shelf life and don’t need refrigeration.

However, never donate an item out of date, or close to a use by date (this can also have a huge impact on a recipient’s dignity). It’s also important to include foods that don’t require a lot of cooking due to energy bills, or lack of facilities, or can be eaten cold.

Some examples provided by several charities include:

Tins – with ring pull, or donate with a tin openerTinned meat – from corned beef to tunaLong-life milkLong-life juicesInstant noodlesPorridgePasta and riceBottled cooking saucesPersonal care items – toothpaste, toothbrush, shower gel, sanitary items, nappies and nappy bags, shampoo, deodorant.Pet food is also welcome – however stick to the smaller packs to allow for easier carrying.

Note: if you are a vegetarian, vegan, coeliac or eat halal, why not purchase these items for your food bank. Food banks have to cater to a wide range of dietary requirements which can be extremely challenging.

Treats around this time of year are also a good option for children. Multipacks allow the charity to split the bags and place one or two in each parcel with suggestions including:

Multi-pack bag of sweets or chocolatesMulti-pack bag of crispsIndividually wrapped biscuits, such as foiled teacakes or Tuc biscuit packs, as an example.

Note: Many charities have a zero-alcohol rule, so opt for alcohol-free items, and beware of items such as Christmas pudding which contains brandy

Shopping bags are also welcome, from plastic to cotton tote bags, so just pop them into your donation bag and the charity will reuse them.

For those unable to drop off items in person, an alternative is a cash donation or supermarket vouchers. These types of donations have seen the greatest drop off over the past few years, and yet remain a huge help to charities in filling the gaps left in food donations and affording fuel to deliver to the most vulnerable.

The Trussell Trust alone is spending over £1,400 per month on groceries, while the Greenwich food bank is spending £9,000 per month, on top of donated items, to meet the growing need for food parcels.

The energy crisis has also seen some food banks request blankets and hot-water bottles.

Looking for support this winter?

If you, your neighbour, friend or family member is seeking support, there are resources available to help you.

Both authorities can support you, answer any questions you may have, and refer you to a food bank with a voucher. Food bank staff are aware that customers feel awkward when using a food bank for the first time, and are trained to help everyone feel welcome and relaxed.

Charity donation points on your high street

A-Plan branches are very much part of their local communities. From branch competitions, giveaways and charity events, to noticeboards sharing local business news, we are far more than just an insurance company.

This year, our 100+ branches up and down the UK are running donation points, from football boot recycling schemes to food bank collection points for local food charities.

Why not call or pop into your local branch to see what items they are collecting this year and follow and share their progress across social media to help support the community. To get started, you can find your local branch here.

Sources: The Trussell Trust, State of Hunger, Food Foundation, Independent Food Aid Network.