So – there are now more food banks in the UK (well over 2,000) than McDonald’s restaurants (1300)? Actually that figure is now well and truly out of date. Thanks to the rising cost of living and the uncertainty caused by the war in Ukraine, there must now be more than twice as many foods banks in the UK as there are McDonald’s restaurants. This is a truly horrible statistic – but one that has galvanised a number of impressive initiatives – one of which is Food Bank Aid.
Interstingly, Food Bank Aid is NOT a food bank. Instead it supplies food banks.
The project grew out of Naomi Russell and Jo Rosenblatt response to the first pandemic wave in the spring of 2019 when the calls on food banks started to escalate at an alarming rate. But rather than just creating another bank, Food Bank Aid developed a unique system to collect, sort and then deliver exactly what food banks across north London requested – and nothing that they didn’t. This dramatically reduced food waste while saving valuable time and space.
It has been extremely successful and what started in Naomi’s garage in Highgate two years ago has now moved to dedicated premises in Finchley and is giving over a million pounds’ worth of goods each year. But, to keep up that good work, they need support.
Anticipating yet more calls on their services as the cost of living continues to rise over the next months, Food Bank Aid is hoping to raise £600,000 during a 36 hour fundraising drive on the 20th/21st March when all donations made will be matched.
To support their work please both give generously – you can donate here – and tell your friends about the campaign.
Some interesting stats about Food Bank Aid:
- Over £2.5m worth of goods delivered 40,000 items handed out weekly 45-50 car loads delivered per week
- 15-20 North London food banks which support 10,000+ people per week (incl 3,500+ children)
- 50+ drop off points for people to drop their food donations with ease 7 days a week
- 200+ volunteers make for a strong community led charity
- Engaging with 30+ schools and numerous community organisations to raise awareness of food poverty
Do you know what to do if you think someone is having an anaphylactic attack?
Good people to be doing this!