Food Banks
What exactly are food banks?
Food banks are services that provide non-perishable goods to people that are in need of food. People would donate food to churches, schools, businesses (Trussell Trust) or store, and people who are poor or have a lack on income will go to a church, school or community centre with a voucher to have a parcel of food that lasts 3 days (HANNAH WESTWATER).
How does one receive a voucher?
Before getting one you would go to a doctor or social worker; when being referred they will ask your questions about your income and how many people (typically as a family) are they supporting? Although not every foodbank does this, it’s a preferred and verifiable method to help refer people and receive the necessary food they need (Hannah Westwater).
What can one bring to a good bank?
To start off, food banks like Trussell Trust take in dietary requirements for their parcels, whether it be that the meals are halal, gluten free or vegetarian (Trussell Trust). However, food banks specify non-perishable for a reason; food banks will not accept fresh fruit & veg, meat, fish or dairy because those items will go off (rendering them unsuited for consumption), and foods like that require proper containment and conditions.
Foods such as soups, tinned meat, rice, pudding UHT milk (Ultra High Temperature, meaning it doesn’t need to be in a fridge), biscuits and juice are the most preferred (Trussell Trust). This seems to be that they don’t require a lot of specific storage, so canned and/or bottled items are steadily contained and can be stacked/saved for future or uses of food banks (supposedly, but they still have sell by dates to be wary of) (Hannah Westwater).
Can I bring anything other than food?
You are allowed to donate toiletries, such as shampoos, towels, gels, brushes, spay and any other sort of toiletries.
It doesn’t just stop there, as you can donate washing up liquid, powders and nappies/wipes for babies.
https://glasgowne.foodbank.org.uk/get-help/whats-in-a-food-parcel/
https://www.trusselltrust.org/what-we-do/how-foodbanks-work/
https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/how-you-can-find-and-donate-to-a-food-bank-near-you/
