Since the start of the pandemic and the resultant lockdown we have seen a surge in the number of donations you have been making to the various food banks listed on the app. It is sad that there has been such a need for them in most communities across the UK, but we are so uplifted by many of you choosing to donate your hard earned BetterPoints to such worthy causes.
These are the main ones you have been donating to:
The Trussell Trust
Falkirk Foodbank
S6 Food bank
Sally's Kitchen
Gravesham Food bank
Readifood
We had an email from Falkirk Foodbank after our latest donation from participants in the challenge we were running there:
"Please pass on Falkirk Foodbank's thanks for the lovely donation which you sent us. It will be very helpful to us, particularly in this difficult situation everyone is in. Many churches are now stopping services and, as a lot of our food comes from church congregations, we may struggle in the next few months.
On top of that, more and more people who struggle on the poverty line are running into problems because of the the virus situation and so needing our support. With sincere thanks and best wishes." - Judy, Assistant Treasurer Falkirk Foodbank
Andrew W, the Contracts and Environment Co-ordinator at the University of Sheffield talked to us about the university's commitment to reduce food waste and support the S6 Food bank:
"Food waste is a huge problem in the UK, but here at the University, a proactive approach is really benefitting locals. This year, more than ever, the work of the foodbank has been so important." As more and more people found themselves in a position where they had to rely on foodbanks for support, it is Andrew's mission to get the University to help, he even donated his BetterPoints to S6:
"I just feel the need to give something back. It's so easy nowadays to fall on hard times and realise that you need help. There's no shame in it. The impact of the last twelve months has been felt all over the city and we're here to support those who need it - both now for a short time, or may need it in the future. I've been unemployed before and understand how that feels. I have experience of working with those looking for work; and have been out of work and I've seen the impact from both sides. It's my duty to do what I can." - Andrew W, Sheffield.
We have lots of other food banks on the app, so do check them out and make a difference in your local community. If the pandemic has taught us anything - it is that we all need to rely on one another a lot more to get through the situation.
If you want to learn more about the usage of food banks, please check out Food bank use over the last 13 years, it's a real eye opener.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed and continues to do so during this difficult time. We are so proud to work for a company that makes a difference to people's physical and mental health, as well as positively helping local communities.