We provided support to our local community by donating our time to help out at Salford Foodbank. Our team traded in their typical cleanroom garments for hi-vis jackets, as they helped to compile hundreds of days worth of food parcel previsions for those in crisis in our local area.
Every day people in the UK go hungry due to reasons such as redundancy or unforeseen bills. A simple bag of food makes a big difference, with food banks helping prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems.
The rising need for foodbanks
Forming part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. Salford Foodbank provides three days worth of nutritionally balanced emergency food to local people in crisis. In 2023/24, food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network provided 3.1 Million three-day emergency food supplies and support to UK people in crisis, an increase of 94% over the past five years.
While food donations from local businesses, schools, churches and individuals have been generous, food banks still face challenges in meeting the rising demand due to the current cost-of-living crisis that has vastly increased the amount of support needed in the community.
Salford Foodbank run with a small, dedicated team with the added support of local volunteers. Together they gather donations from nearby businesses, then ensure food is date-checked, sorted and packed ready to be sent to the distribution centres. Our team gave their time (and muscle power) to assist at the local warehouse. Where they learned more about the challenges faced by the foodbank and engaged in positive discussions to provide valuable ongoing support and community connections moving forward.
Foodbanks need your support
In the month prior to our visit (August 2024), our team were shocked to discover that the foodbank was forced to spend £9.5K on buying food to provide to the local community than was able to be sourced through donations. With a huge 65% of food purchased in comparison to the 35% donated by the local community and businesses.
With monetary donations, Salford Foodbank can ensure that no-one goes hungry and provide much-needed support to people in crisis in our community. Your gift of financial support can make a real difference.
Make a donation here https://localgiving.org/charity/salfordfoodbank
Or click here to find your local food bank to find out which items are most needed and how to donate them.
What’s in a food parcel?
The foodbank provides three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food. With help from nutritionists, The Trussell Trust has worked to ensure food parcels contain sufficient nutrition for at least three days worth of healthy, balanced meals for individuals and families. They can also adapt the contents to ensure it meets dietary needs, such as gluten free, halal or vegetarian.
Your donations are vital to ensure food banks in our community can continue to help everyone referred to them.
Support your local foodbank
Make a donation to Salford Foodbank here or click here to find out more about your local food bank.
For more information about Salford Foodbank, including how you can help or get support if you need, visit https://salford.foodbank.org.uk/