This is the third year running that I have written about the Food Bank Advent challenge. It’s such an important topic! I am hoping that you will all join me in this; it can make such a difference to your local community if everyone gets involved. Perhaps you have some of these things in your own stockpile already so you can get started.
The idea is simple; a “normal” advent calendar is one where you open a little door each day and receive a treat. Mostly it’s chocolate related but it can be a toy or arts/crafts thing too. But each day, you get something small as a present. The reverse advent calendar works the same way but instead of you opening and receiving a gift, you are putting something aside for a food bank instead. These can be food items, or toiletry items or pet food. Something that is a little something for those who are struggling to get by. Last year I did this my mum’s book club got involved with me! We managed to do a huge donation to a local food bank in December which hopefully just helps that little bit more.
The main food bank charity is the Trussell Trust, but have a search to see who your local food bank are. The one most local to us is run by the Church, so it does depend on where you live. The last time I rang our local food bank, they were in desperate need of men’s toiletries. They had a surplus of dried pasta and tinned tomatoes, so said if we could focus on other things that would be great. There are often things that food banks are short of, so it would be great to check with your local one first.
Remember about period poverty too. A truly awful thing to have to experience I am sure; it is where a woman cannot afford to buy sanitary products each month. I have heard some horrible stories about what people improvise with, to get through that time. Try to pop in a box of these if you can, as well. It must be an awful situation to be in where you cannot help it but you also can’t afford a pack of tampons or pads to get you through that time.
So that my reverse advent hamper can be used at Christmas, I’m going to do this throughout November, adding little extras each day. Even things like toiletries and sanitary products are very much needed as well. All of these things cost extra, and when you’re scraping pennies together, they go out the window very quickly. I intend to drop it off at the food bank at the beginning of December so that they can sort through the things. Then they can be given out to whoever in time for Christmas. I’m going to try and add in some extras too, to hopefully make someone smile 
I’m going to be keeping track of the items I put together, and sharing pictures on social media as I go along, using the hashtag #FoodbankAdvent 
in fact, there are quite a few people joining in with this already, which is fab! I’ve also made this little template of ideas for what you can put in for the next thirty days:
Why don’t you join me? I think we could all make a real difference! One box at a time 🙂
Follow me on:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
PIN FOR LATER:
Also toothbrushes & toothpaste & even pet food. Sugar. Microwave rice is always very welcome. Fay Bentos pies & tinned ham & corn beef. Tinned tuna. :).
I know it is not such problem these days but if you have tinned items that do not have ring pulls please consider adding a tin opener.
This is a wonderful idea!
My church has a feeding program but one of the ministers keeps a few shelves in our giant walk in pantry that we refer to Bob’s pantry – for walk-ins – especially families who need emergency help. I add things occasionally but I can make a real effort to add items daily.
Our feeding program also runs a “boutique” of donated clothing but they always need toiletries so that can be the other half of my donations.
Good luck with all of this.