Food Bank

[albaqwerty]

I'm going to one tomorrow.

Not going to post the reasons and whereby's, just thought I'd let you know that an ab'er has reached that level, and before the pompous, righteous brigade get on their high horses, there are free areas of access to the internet.

[albaqwerty]

please don't forget things like loo roll and washing up liquid too :-)

I'm very grateful they exist and am extremely grateful to the donators, but isn't it such a shame they're needed in 21st century Britain?

[ummmm]

Will do. It's essential things that pushes the cost of a weekly shop up.

I've been there, Albs x

[pixie373]

Not just food then? Things like washing powder / pouches, cleaning stuff are quite expensive. Do they accept those things too?

[Tilly2]

I noticed , yesterday, that my local Sainsbury's has a Food Bank donations box in the shop.
I didn't see it until I was coming out of the shop so I put my shopping in the car and went shopping again. I bought the Basics stuff. I got a basket full for just over a fiver.

[Tilly2]

^ basketful^

[ummmm]

Yes Pixie. I looked at our local one and along with food they are asking for household items.

Especially lady products, baby products, nappies etc. All things we take for granted.

It's nice knowing that people can get a meal....but their toilets still need cleaning, clothes needs to be washed and they still need to shower/bath. It's these everyday items that are expensive.

I feel bad saying 'they'....I really don't mean that in a derogatory way.

[pixie373]

Thanks ummmm. Yes, it all costs money. I'll find out where my nearest one is.

[boxtops]

alba, thank you so much for posting this, and for helping so many of us to see the sort of things that we can donate to the food collections (if we can). It does sound a positive experience for you, despite the circs leading to it - we've all learned from it.

[B00]

We have a local one near us too.

Silly really, but until you hear of one of "us" affected, you don't really take much notice, well, I didn't anyway. Alba, because of you, I'll be donating a few bits when I do my 'big' shop when I get paid. x

[ummmm]

So true B00...

[rockyracoon]

I echo what Boo said.

Alba I hope you get back on your feet soon x

[kvalidir]

Anything can happen to anyone and there is no shame in accepting help when it's your turn for something not so good to be happening and it's nice to give when it's your turn for better times. There are food banks everywhere because they are needed a the moment by so may people which is not where we should be in the 21st century. Hope things improve for you soon Alba.

[boxtops]

Me too, B00 - I've never contributed in the past, but I'm likely to now.

[ummmm]

Part baked bread, it has about a 3 month shelf life.

[Smowball]

When you are more on your feet there is a good website called www.approvedfood.co.uk. It sells close to sell by date/just past date items but most stuff is dried/tinned/packet so doesn't really matter. You can save a fortune on some things x

[albaqwerty]

Thank you very much for your replies.
Thank you too for thinking about, and for donating.

I took some dog food down to my local one yesterday before collecting 'my' parcel.
They were most grateful, dog food is also in short supply.

[lady-janine]

hi alba. how did you get on this week?

[albaqwerty]

same generosity LJ, it's much appreciated.
A few treats too, some fresh fruit and a loaf of bread, plus 2 packets of chewy sweets.

Now, some may think that 2 packets of chewy sweets is not what the food bank is about, it's the volunteers who pay out of their own pocket for fruit, bread and sweeties just to add to the 'basics'

[Graham-W]

No-one could begrudge a treat when people are in true need. The organisers can only distribute what is available and whether it's a pound of spuds or a pound of chocolates it must go to someone or be wasted.
Well done Alba.

[lady-janine]

alba - that is so generous of the volunteers. everyone has need of a bit of special occasionally. just glad you and others have been have been so well treated.