Christmas is about is giving and many people in the UK will struggle this Christmas to eat and be able to provide staple foods for their everyday needs. At a time of year where indulgence is apparent for a number of us wouldn’t it be lovely to give something to someone in your community who needs it more than you?
Thirteen million people in the UK live below the poverty line, with families and individuals going hungry every day for a range of reasons from a unexpected bill, low income or delayed benefits. The amazing Trussell Trust was set up 20 years ago and provides over 1400 food banks throughout the UK providing emergency food for a minimum of 3 days to people experiencing crisis. In 2016/17 alone 1,182,954 three day emergency food was given out and the demand is rising.
We want to help, so have provided an easy step by step guide of how you can get involved and help as a family. We have put together a reverse advent guide for the St Albans District . Its about putting a collection food items aside or buying a few extra when doing your food shop that will really help someone in need.
When shall I start my reverse advent? – The reverse advent calendar’s would ideally be delivered to the Food bank after Christmas, when they will be needing the food stocks replenished. If people would like to donate Christmas items (chocolates, Christmas puddings etc) or gifts, they need to be delivered ASAP or by the 1st week in December.
What food shall I buy/put aside? Below is a Reverse Advent Calendar of what items the local St Albans food bank needs. Please make sure that the food items donated have a long life so tinned, packet food works best.
Whats the most suitable container to drop off the collected food in? Bags for life are the most useful otherwise carrier bags have to be purchased from Supermarkets. But boxes or carrier bags are also fine.
Where do I take the items once I’ve collected them? The ideal location to drop off your food donation advent is at the following warehouse in Harpenden:
St Albans and District Food Bank, Youth With A Mission, 6 Highfield Oval, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 4BX
Opening times: Tues between 12.00pm- 15.00pm, Thursday between 12.00pm – 14.00pm or Friday between 12.00pm -15.00pm (closed bank holidays)
If you really cannot make the drop off times and location please contact Emma Dalton – Trustee and Operational Manager via email – manager@stalbansdistrict.foodbank.org.uk
Here is a link to all the supermarket collection points for the St Albans and District Foodbank: https://stalbansdistrict.
