Your questions answered - Why do you ask for certain items all the time?

In the last 12 months, we have given out nearly 50% more food packs than the previous 12 months. 

Every week, thousands of pounds of food and toiletries leave our food bank, into the homes of those in crisis. The generous donations we receive from our community are a major resource for us, but even during our busiest times, such as Harvest and Christmas, we run out of certain items. 

Our shortages change weekly and we can't predict what donations will come in the following week. 

To help you decide what to donate, we update our website and social media regularly. When we run out of something, we use the funds raised to buy the main items needed. Funds raised are also used to buy fresh items weekly, including margarine, fresh eggs, fruit and veg, milk and cheese.

Last week, we spent £36.90 on toilet roll alone. 

There are certain items we have a surplus of.

Beans, pasta, and tinned tomatoes along with sanitary wear are the main items we never run out of. But we can't provide a nutritious, varied pack from these items alone. To meet the dietary and cultural needs of our clients we need a variety of items to be donated. 

How can you help us with our shortages?

Last year, we gave out 233,005 meals worth of food, up 46% on the previous 12 months. We need your support to keep up with this demand. If you're considering making a food donation, and you have the time, check out our shortages before you shop. Choose items that will help make up our packs.  Current shortages.

Alternatively, make a cash donation

So that when we run out of stock we can buy what we need. We also receive 25% extra through Gift Aid if you’re a tax payer. You can donate  here  Make a donation.

Finally, if in doubt, we always need tins of meat and vegetarian meals, such as curry, chilli and stew, along with toilet roll, long life milk, cup a soup and potatoes. Thanks as ever for your generous support.