Food Bank Donations
It always amazes me how many brand named foods are placed in Food Bank collection boxes. This might seem like a really snobby or obnoxious statement at first glance but it is not meant that way. When you are low and in need; a little bit of luxury can go a long way to boosting your spirit and keep you fighting. However the use of Food Banks is at an all time record high with many more families needing to use them so any donation made is always very gratefully received. Premium brand products are expensive! Own brands are just as good both nutritionally and taste wise and often cost 50-75% less.
With a few savvy swaps you can help 2 to 3 times more people without costing you a penny more!
For the price of one can of Heinz Baked Beans you can pick up 2 of the supermarket own brand or 3 of the value range!
With Weetatbix cereal the same is true, you can provide 3 times the amount of breakfasts for less money than the branded version. I personally eat the Tesco own brand Wheat Biscuits and prefer them to the Weetabix version anyway.
Food Banks are always looking for non food items too such as toilet roll, soap and toothbrushes. Items such as feminine hygiene products are nappies are in huge demand too. These items can be very expensive and don’t go far so shopping around for the best deal can really help so many more people in need.
In the last year 1.1 million 3 day emergency food parcels were given out. Three times more than 4 years ago! I hope this post helps you see how you can help more people without spending a penny extra.
I so agree with this. I have held off donating much money to food banks as I think my shopping skills would give them more items! I can give them a carrier full of toiletries for less than £10. You would only get a few branded items for that
Interesting post! Another great way to donate to food banks is using apps like Checkoutsmart for freebies – if it’s free I pick up even if I don’t like it and pop it straight in the food bank colllection.
Fantastic tip! Thank you.
Definitely agree with this, and indeed I do it. There is a bag of mixed own brand value toiletries in the back of my car waiting to be taken to my WI where we collect for a local food bank. Toiletries because that is what they are currently short of
I’m seeing more and more supermarkets with collection points to put in anything you want to buy extra with your shopping to donate. I love this idea. Much as I didn’t have to use it, the food bank near me works very closely with people in debt and in crises – they really do an amazing job!
I think all Tesco stores have them now. It makes it easier for people to donate which is fab! I volunteered in my local one for a few weeks some time ago now. There was a constant stream of people through the door. One day Id love to go back and help out again.