WE ARE FINDING THAT THE COST OF FOOD AND HEATING ON THE INCREASE AND THE INTRODUCTION OF UNIVERSAL CREDIT HAS MADE THESE ITEMS EVEN MORE OF A LUXURY FOR FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS USING OUR FOODBANK IN ARDS.
1. Toilet roll
This is self-explanatory, and always necessary. “OUR food bank is having to ration it to one roll per household,”
2. Sanitary towels and tampons
With the media really picking up on this and national campaigns through Always adverts this has raised the awareness for many people.
3. Tin openers
“There are all kinds of people who don’t have these, especially women who’ve been relocated because of domestic abuse,” says Hodson.
And as food banks get a lot of tinned, non-perishable food, this is a handy thing to drop off at the collection point.
4. Nappies
Generally, food banks would prefer disposable nappies over cloth nappies. “The best thing people can do is call their local food bank and find out what they need,” (Newtownards 07902 933297 or 02891 817487 )
“We get parents with children of all ages. Some of the most stark cases are women who have literally just given birth and haven’t got anything, and are really struggling as well as being a new mum.”
5. Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, deodorant)
You know how at Christmas, lots of people get packs of toiletries they don’t want, because it’s a bit of a standard present? Bring them along to your local food bank collection point. “If people don’t want them,” says Hodson, “it’d be amazing if they gave them to the food bank, because it’s the kind of thing that makes a massive difference.”
Shaving gels and foams are also welcome.
6. Washing up liquid and Washing powder
We see a lot of clients in need of items like washing powder, and washing liquid which are vital for their self esteem.
