Forum Topic

Donating to the Food Bank

Sorry to bang on about this again, folks, but we are short of items to give out. At today's shift in Acton we ran out of fish, baked beans(which is almost unheard of) and of coffee!Most of you know that you can buy items in shops and donate them in the bins provided but there is now a new way to donate without even the bother of going to the supermarket.https://givetoday.co.uk/ealingfoodbank/This will tell you which items are most urgently needed and you can decide what you would like to donate and it'll be delivered to the Food Bank on your behalf.I know times are hard, but thanks for any help you can give.

Susan Kelly ● 54d17 Comments

I have found it a useful reminder to see a note under the items on the shelves when the Food Bank is in need of particular items.  It is easy to then add an extra one or two for someone in need.Sometimes there is a notice at the door of some shops with the list which you can take a photo of - but on the shelves is much easier when you don't want to dally shopping.The Upper Room also has a Wish List of donations of other sorts eg particular toiletries and clothing - as well as food on their website.  www.theupperroom.org.uk

Philippa Bond ● 42d

Incidentally, if you're interested in volunteering for the Food Bank this is the link:https://ealing.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/volunteers/You will need to do a bit of lifting and carrying so not for the frail.

Susan Kelly ● 42d

I enjoy it. It's great to feel useful.

Susan Kelly ● 43d

Thanks for all you re doing Susan, we re lucky to have some community minded folk around.

Anna Kirkpatrick ● 43d

And don't forget www.hounslowfoodbox.org.uk. An independent charity based in Brentford but serving the whole of Hounslow borough. The FoodBox has excellent relationships in Chiswick and some fantastic volunteers and donors there including fresh produce produced by allotments.We have been providing support since 2013 and demand for support is still strong, though we are careful to only support those whose need is clear, and supported by a referral from somebody independent.We provide food deliveries via volunteer delivery people (though we prefer people to visit and collect) every day from Tuesday to Saturday each week to anywhere in the Borough .

Guy Lambert ● 47d

Please do not forget to donate to the Upper room in Hammersmith https://theupperroom.org.uk/

Sam Hearn ● 48d

Denis, I think that of most shops, one place handed us a list of thingsthe food bank needed, which was a great help, they really had a lot ofdonations that day.

Janice Evans ● 50d

Even M&S, tucked behind one of the self service machines.It's not exactly bulging with merchandise, but I suspect most shoppers are unaware of its existence.

Denis I. Fox ● 50d

All supermarkets have donation boxes near the exit. Even Lidl.

Susan Kelly ● 50d

I understand that a certain church in the area which has a large separate space ideal for a foodbank was approached but a certain local Society raised a number of objections mainly around their concerns of encouraging too many undesirable people into the area. Locally you can donate at Chiswick Waitrose (you do not actually have to buy there, just take it in) and at the Fine & Country estate agent on Turnham Green Terrace.

Julie Canterbury ● 50d

Thanks for reply. What supermarket please ? Thanks.

Anna Kirkpatrick ● 50d

Useful info. Thanks.

Susan Kelly ● 50d

The Catholic Church (Our Lady of Grace and St.Edward) on Chiswick High Road have a collection for the Trussell Trust on the 1st weekend of every month. There is a donation box at the back of the Church so anyone can donate during the day and also bring along non perishable food items when attending the Masses. Has been in place for some years.

Margot Crowther ● 50d

We do have a woman who drops donations off at the Acton bank most weeks but really it's easiest just to put things in the box at the supermarket, if you don't want to donate online.There isn't a Food Bank in Chiswick. I wonder why .... Acton is open Fridays, at the Oakwood Hall, 12ish till 2ish.

Susan Kelly ● 51d

Certainly a direct debit to the Trussell Trust is the most efficient thing but this new way will allow people to donate from time to time. Also they choose what to donate, which some people will like.

Susan Kelly ● 51d

If we can drop food direct to the foodbank - what is their address and opening hours please ?

Anna Kirkpatrick ● 51d

Thanks for posting this Susan.  I'm curious - is it more efficient, from the food bank's point of view, to donate in this way, or by a periodic direct debit to the food bank or Trussel Trust?  I'd assume directly to the food bank / Trussel Trust is better, as they can buy in bulk and get GiftAid - but is that actually the case? (sometimes things work in counter-intuitive ways!)

Andrzej Kowalski ● 51d