Ever Used A Foodbank

[nailit]

Against all the odds ive managed to secure myself an interview with my local foodbank with a view to doing some voluntary work for them. Just been researching their (local) website, trying to educate myself a bit b4 interview, and was wondering if any ABers had any practical experience of using these or know of anyone who has.
Thanks.

[EDDIE51]

I used a food bank when my pension credit was stopped due to a mistake by the pension credit people not me! The pension credit was restored and backdated but not for 7 weeks. We literally were left with no money for food. The food bank were wonderful we were given enough food to see us over and they even gave us food for our dog.

[Tilly2]

One of my relatives worked in a Trussell Trust foodbank in Stoke, Nailit.

Is yours a Trussell Trust one?

[nailit]

Yes it is Tills. Got an 'interview' on Monday

[nailit]

EDDIE, they gave you dog food for your pooch?

[Tilly2]

Have you looked at this then, Nailit?

https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/emergency-food/food-parcel/

[EDDIE51]

Yes they did, they asked if I had a dog and when I said yes they gave me a 5Kg bag of dog food. They told me they get more dog/cat food donated than they can distribute!
This is a 'local' food bank run by my home town not one of the 'big ones'

[nailit]

Thanks Tills, will have a proper look in a min, gotta nip out for 10 mins. Only looked on the local (S.O.T) site so far. Just collating info at mo, hence question ;-)

[Tilly2]

Speak to you later then, Nailit.

[nailit]

That's a good link Tills thanks. Never thought about toiletries and hygiene stuff. Likewise EDDIE, I never considered pet foods either.
Guess its something to think about for those who propose giving the unemployed only 'food vouchers'!... Read a few threads like that over the years from those fortunate enough to be in employment.

[pastafreak]

I guess it's easy to forget that the needy..whether homeless or without salary/benefits...still need and want to feel clean and tidy. Also..a fair number will have pets that are company for them that they feel responsible for.
We get enough toothbrushes and toothpaste to keep the whole city of Plymouth going for the next year.
Good luck with your interview nailit. :-)

[Tilly2]

I wish you all the best for your interview, Nailit. I hope you find something rewarding in this. xx

[nailit]

Thanks Pasta and Tills :-)
Appreciate it...

[andy-hughes]

Blessed never to have need to take any food out - have been equally blessed to be able to afford to put plenty of food in.

[Mamyalynne]

I have no experiences to add but I too wish you well, a great way to volunteer and help.x

[mikey4444]

I have donated food to my local Trussell Trust Food Bank for over 2 years now. They do a sterling job and I can't praise them highly enough. They have found the local Supermarkets to be jolly helpful, especially Tesco.

[nailit]

Andy //Blessed never to have need to take any food out//
Me to as well,. But that was more down to having a supportive family when I was skint. Makes you thankful at times.

[sherrardk]

I 'like' a food bank page on FB and they post about items they're short of (including baby stuff, pet food & toiletries) and thank local organisations for bigger donations.

[mikey4444]

Nailit....I forgot to add that this is good news for you, and I wish you every success !

[nailit]

// I too wish you well, a great way to volunteer and help.//
Thanks Mamy, just hope my criminal record doesn't get in the way again...........

[Mamyalynne]

I certainly hope not, fingers crossed.