This article is a little different from our usual content, but we feel that during these uncertain and difficult times it’s absolutely vital that we all pull together and help each other as much as we possibly can.
If you haven’t seen it firsthand, you’ve probably seen media reports on the supermarket frenzies happening across the country as people panic-buy food and other goods. Unfortunately, not everybody has the luxury of being able to stockpile food. In fact, many are unable to purchase food full stop, because they simply cannot afford everyday essentials. Thousands of people locally rely on food banks and kind donations from members of the public to keep their heads above water.
Across Staffordshire, we have numerous food bank services which people rely on every day, and it’s important to keep those donations flowing. Below are the details of each food bank and specific supplies that are presently running low. If you can help in any way possible, get in touch with the relevant food bank.
Stone Community Hub
Food is donated by the Stone Community Hub via several donation boxes around town. These boxes are located in Morrisons, Barclays Bank, Co-op Food in Walton and St. Dominic’s RC Church. In addition, you are also welcome to drop off any donations directly to The Hub. For more information, please visit their website.
- Tinned meat
- UHT milk
- Small jars of coffee
- Jam
- Potatoes
- Custard
- Rice pudding
- Fruit
- Biscuits
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Food Bank
Donations can be made at Tesco stores in Trent Vale and Kidsgrove, Sainsbury’s in Newcastle, Morrisons in Milehouse, and Co-op Food along Butt Lane. Donations can also be made at any of The Trussell Trust food bank centres across the county. For more information about how you can help, visit the Newcastle food bank website.
- Long life juice
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Deodorants – both ladies and gentlemen
- Shaving foam/gel and razors
- Washing powder/gel
- Washing up liquid
- Sugar
- Sponge puddings
Lichfield Food Bank
Lichfield Food Bank have numerous drop off points located throughout Lichfield, Wall, Shenstone, Kings Bromley, Fradley and Alrewas which can be found here.
- Long life milk
- Long life fruit juice
- Coffee
- Tinned fruit
- Tinned rice pudding
- Tinned tomatoes
- Tinned tuna
- Dry packet rice
- Tinned peas and carrots
- Instant mash
Stoke-on-Trent Food Bank
Your donations can be made to the Blurton Methodist Church on Magdalen Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 3HS from Monday to Thursday between 9:30 and 15:30.
- Rice pudding
- Small packs of tea bags (40)
- Large packs tea bags (160)
- Instant mash
- Tinned fruit
- UHT milk
- Tinned steam pudding
- Squash
Ashbourne Food Bank
Ashbourne have recently experienced an influx of new referrals as we all enter this period of uncertainty, so it is vitally important to help them out with any donations you can, no matter how big or small. Donations can be dropped off at Sainsbury’s, Boots, Ashbourne Library and both Co-op Food stores. For up to date information, visit Ashbourne Food Bank’s Facebook page.
- Squash
- Sandwich fillings (eg jam)
- Hot dogs
- Tinned meatballs
- Dry pasta
- Snacks
- Breakfast bars
- Tinned vegetables
- Tinned meals (pie, curry, chilli)
- Tinned fruit
- Desserts
- Coffee
- Sugar
- UHT milk
If you are struggling during this period of uncertainty, get in touch with the Alice Charity on 01782 627017 or visit alicecharity.com.