It’s that time of year again where a lot of us are thinking about what food we will eat during the Christmas period. It’s traditionally a time to push the boat out a little and plan a big celebration with lots of extras. Sadly for many people this won’t be the case. They will likely be forced to turn to their local food bank to put food on the table. This is why the UK Money Bloggers are working together with The Trussell Trust with #FoodBankAdvent. You can support your local food bank with a reverse advent calendar, here’s how.
What is a reverse advent calendar?
We all know how the traditional advent calendars work but what about a reverse advent calendar? The idea of a reverse advent calendar is that instead of opening a door each day to reveal a chocolate or treat you add an item to a box or basket ready to donate. By the end of the month you should have accumulated 24 items. This can include anything from food items to toiletries.
Although advent tends to be a December thing it’s actually better to get your donations to the food bank by the end of November or early December. This gives your local food bank time to sort through and distribute the items to people who need them.
How you can get involved
To get started you’ll need to find out where your local food bank is: You can find your local food bank with this link.
When you find out where your local food bank is it’s usually best to find out what they are in need of before you get started. Most food bank websites update regularly with an urgent food list or you could just give them a call.
Then grab a box and start filling it with items!
You can also help spread the word over social media by using #FoodBankAdvent.
Where you can donate
Most areas have nearby drop off points in local churches or supermarkets. Alternatively give your local food bank a call and they will let you know where to drop off your box.
Top tips for your reverse advent calendar
Do:
- Start sooner rather than later to give your local food bank a chance to sort through and distribute. November is the perfect time to start!
- Focus on your local local food bank and ask them what they are in need of.
- Think of healthy items, tinned food is great.
- Help spread the word by using #FoodBankAdvent.
Don’t
- Forget about sanitary items and toiletries, these are just as much needed as food items.
- Go too mad with festive treats, there tends to be a surplus of mince pies.
- Forget some people only have a kettle so items such as pot noodles are perfect.
Leave a Reply