‘Bring a Tin to Work Week’
Amidst the on-going challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and repercussions economically, we are embarking on a mission to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families who are struggling to put food on their tables. We aim to get as many businesses and services involved in our ‘bring a tin to work week’ donation as possible. We have partnered with local organisations, food banks and community centres to distribute the donated food items. These partnerships ensure that our efforts reach those in the community most in-need.
Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers will collect all donations which will be distributed accordingly.
A staggering 90% of food banks have seen an increase in demand, with over 80% saying they have noticed a decrease in donations. With food inflation rising to 16.7% and the cost of gas nearly 130% higher than the previous year, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to afford general living. This is extremely troubling especially as there will also be no government handout this year to help with rising gas and energy costs. It has also been noted that the average household’s disposable income has been forecast to drop 4.3% in 2023 alone. In short, over 2.9 million people in the United Kingdom have had to rely on a food bank this year. With these statistics and knowledge of food banks, community fridges and similar services struggling to help individuals and families at a time they need it most, it makes this donation event all the more important.
Debi Lewis, the Cost-of-Living service Co-Ordinator had this to say about the event:
“Food-banks have reported to me that they are struggling to keep up with demand. Part of this is because there is a rise in demand and also a simultaneous drop in donations. People who are working are in need of the food banks more and more. I work with organisations who’s primary purpose is to help those in the community and they are seeing a rise of people asking for food in areas that are not traditional food banks such as local churches and charities. Local people are struggling to go to the supermarket because it is now out of their price range. Many don’t have a proper meal that week unless they go to one of the wonderful local lunches provided by places like Jubilee Hall in Cayton or Westway Open Arms in Eastfield, free of charge. I have had people tell me that they only eat sandwiches because they can’t afford to put the gas or electric on to cook a meal. Food-banks are the one place that will help absolutely everyone at their most difficult time in their life, the least we can do is support them to help the community.”
The impact of this food donation event is a representation of hope, compassion and solidarity with our community, demonstrating what we can achieve when we come together to support our neighbours in need. In the time past this event, we will continue our mission on our cost of living service to do our part in helping eradicate those facing food insecurity and any other living struggles they may face. We would like to encourage individuals, local businesses and organisations to continue supporting our efforts. Whether through food donations, financial contributions or volunteering, every contribution is massively appreciated and makes a difference.
If you would like to join this event and start a collection point for food donations, please contact Debi on the details below and we will be able to arrange a pick up of all the donations. There has also been a huge interest by the BBC and they would like to interview and speak to the business/service who collects the most.
