Standing at the forefront of community care and resilience, the North Bristol and South Gloucestershire Foodbank is not just about distributing food; it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity. This festive season, their mission feels more urgent than ever.
Aidan Ashby, communications and fundraising coordinator for the North Bristol and South Gloucestershire Foodbank, has spoken about the vital role this organisation plays, especially during the festive season.
During the festive season, Aidan says the foodbank’s demands shift beyond the typical pasta and tinned beans.
“We generally get loads of pasta, beans, cereal and soup, so don’t need any of that donating,” he says. Instead, the foodbank has a carefully curated Christmas Wish List that reflects their most pressing needs. “Our current priorities include tinned meat, tinned fruit, noodles and soft drinks. We’re also running low on small batches of washing detergent and essential toiletries like soap and deodorant. For those wanting to add festive cheer to emergency parcels, we welcome Christmas treats like biscuits, sweets and chocolate – but please note we can’t accept anything containing alcohol,” says Aidan.
For those looking to make a difference, Aidan suggests exploring initiatives like the ‘Reverse Advent Calendar,’ a unique way to engage individuals, families, and community groups. “People open a door for each day and buy the item listed, filling a box as they go. At the end of the 24 days, they drop it off at their local foodbank donation point. It’s been hugely popular since we launched it in 2018.”
Financial donations also hold immense value. “We have to buy in 20% of our food, and this figure is rising unsustainably due to increased demand,” Aidan explains. This year, the foodbank’s Big Give campaign, running from 3rd to 10th December, aims to double contributions through matched funding. “We hope to raise £12,000, which will allow us to support twice as many people.”
The festive season brings not only an opportunity for generosity but also significant challenges. Reflecting on last year’s figures, Aidan shares a sobering statistic: “From December 2023 to January 2024, we gave out 1,150 emergency food parcels for 2,786 people, equivalent to 25,000 emergency meals.” This marks a sharp increase, mirrored nationally by a 94% rise in foodbank usage over the past five years.
Christmas wish list 2024
The pressures of heating costs and seasonal expenses exacerbate this trend. “As fuel costs continue to rise, more people are forced to choose between heating and eating. We expect another busy winter,” Aidan admits.
Despite these pressures, the foodbank has seen extraordinary community support. Aidan recounts: “In October, 422 people donated money, while many donated food at 40 locations. We distributed 12.7 tonnes of food, giving out 589 parcels to help 1,288 people.”
Volunteers remain at the core of the foodbank’s operations. With a team of around 270 people, the organisation depends on their dedication for everything from sorting donations to packing parcels and even growing fresh produce on their allotment.
However, specific holiday events, such as the donation drive at Tesco Golden Hill, require extra hands. “On a three-day supermarket collection, shoppers at Tesco Golden Hill have donated the second-highest amount of food nationally during Christmas. But we’re short on volunteers this year,” Aidan says.
For those interested, the opportunities extend beyond festive events. “Our volunteers also represent us at donation points, drive vans, and provide warm welcomes to service users,” Aidan adds, inviting more people to join this impactful team.
While the foodbank’s immediate focus is providing emergency support, Aidan is keen to highlight their broader vision. “Foodbanks are not a long-term solution,” he asserts. The organisation’s efforts increasingly aim to address the root causes of food insecurity.
“We’re working on initiatives like The Bridge Food Project, a food club that combines affordable food with wraparound support. It’s about helping people move from foodbank reliance to self-reliance,” Aidan says.
Looking ahead, the foodbank’s strategy for 2024–2027 outlines ambitious goals:
- Advice First Model: Prioritising advice to make foodbanks a last resort.
- Reducing Dependency: Establishing pathways to long-term solutions.
- Community Hubs: Transforming foodbank outlets into inclusive spaces offering activities and services.
- Advocacy: Challenging societal and governmental views on poverty through campaigns like ‘Guarantee Our Essentials.’
- Operational Efficiency: Ensuring sustainability and maximising community impact.
This Christmas, the North Bristol and South Gloucestershire Foodbank offers countless ways to get involved. Whether through donating items, financial contributions, or volunteering time, every gesture matters.
As Aidan reminds us: “Christmas treats can really perk people up at just the right time. Holidays can cause a lot of anxiety for people on a tight budget, but a bit of Christmas-themed food in their emergency parcel can make all the difference.”
The foodbank’s impact is a testament to what a community can achieve when it comes together. With your support, they can continue to be a lifeline for those in need.
For more information, visit the North Bristol and South Gloucestershire Foodbank’s social media (@NBSGfoodbank) or their website at nbsg.foodbank.org.uk.