Frequently Asked Questions regarding Bournemouth Food Banks
With more families in Bournemouth turning to foodbanks for support, Lizzie Curzen explains what you need to know and how you can help.
Does the food bank receive statutory help?
No- The food bank is completely donation based and does not receive any help from the government. Donations are all down to local businesses and the general public, which the foodbank are extremely grateful for.
How do people manage during the summer months?
Over the summer a lot of parents panic as they will struggle without the help of free school meals. This summer local Bournemouth food banks helped children from 3 local schools by giving out 3 day hampers and free packed lunches to those who would usually receive a free school meal. This was a huge effort and a struggle for food and finances to be able to pull it off, but staff have said it was really worth it.
Are there other ways of tackling food poverty?
Yes. At the Bournemouth Trussell Trust they are trying to help people before they get to the food banks. It’s not all about food-they offer other initiatives such as cookery courses to help people cook well on a budget, and they liase with other agencies such as local debt advice charities.
What else does the foodbank supply?
Pet food is available as well as toys, baby things, toiletries and cosmetics.
What should I donate?
Items such as tinned meat/fish, tinned vegetables/fruit, tea/coffee, biscuits, long life juice/UHT milk, pasta, rice, cereal, cooking sauces and sweet or savoury snacks are all suitable items
Further reading
Where are our local foodbanks?