““As much as we would love to work ourselves out of jobs, food banks aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Without extra help, we wouldn’t be able to feed people.””
Across the UK, food banks are seeing record levels of demand as more people struggle with the rising cost of living. North Bristol & South Glos Foodbank is no exception. Covering a diverse area with stark wealth divides, they are supporting more people than ever—but with donations dropping, keeping up with demand is an increasing challenge.
“We have very vulnerable areas and very affluent areas right next to each other,” explains Shawna, Food Logistics Manager at the food bank. “That means food insecurity is a huge issue, and the need for our services is growing all the time. Donations are down, and the [number of] people we’re feeding is up. Without donations, we simply wouldn’t be able to exist as a charity and feed people. We’re so grateful for every single person who helps us keep going.”
More than just food
For many people visiting the food bank, food is just one part of a bigger crisis. Shawna recalls a story that has stuck with her:
“There was a gentleman fairly early on when I started working here who had just had a baby. After ten days, he was really struggling to afford electricity to heat the bottles. We helped him access support through Citizens Advice, so he could top up his meter. That story will always stay with me.”
This kind of support goes beyond handing out food parcels—it’s about ensuring people have the essentials they need to get through the hardest times.
The role of Bankuet
With donations fluctuating, being able to source the right items at the right time is vital. “I’ve found the new Bankuet system really helpful. It means we can be really specific with what we get and plug the gaps we have,” says Shawna. “I have no complaints—super easy. We’ve not had any problems, and it’s a very efficient system, which means anything we need, we get. Big thumbs up from me!”
Traditional donations often result in an oversupply of certain items, like pasta, while essentials such as long-life milk and tinned meat run low. “Through organisations like Bankuet, we can provide food that people really need, and food that’s appropriate for them. We want to give people variety and the dignity to choose what they want.”
A huge Thank You
Shawna has a simple message for anyone who donates:
“We would just love to say a huge thank you to anybody who already donates, or anyone considering it. Whether it’s a one-off gift or a monthly donation, we couldn’t do this without you.”
Food banks like North Bristol & South Glos rely on community support.
How you can help
Food banks are a lifeline for so many people, but they can only continue their vital work with the generosity of donors. If you’d like to support North Bristol & South Glos Foodbank, you can donate quickly and easily through their page on Bankuet. Your contribution will help ensure that families in crisis have access to the food and essentials they need.
“Donating through Bankuet is super easy,” says Shawna. “You can go on our page or check our socials—we advertise it there. There are options for one-off payments or setting up a direct debit, like a subscription, just like Netflix or Amazon.”
Together, we can fight food insecurity and make sure no one goes hungry.
Help Bankuet get food banks what they need, when they need it.