The festive season is well and truly upon us, and here at UK Money Bloggers, it’s been full steam ahead with our Reverse Advent Calendars. Loads of you are joining in, which is fantastic. If you haven’t yet – read more here about what we’re doing and why – then come back here for more inspiration!
You might have spotted a mention of #FoodBankAdvent challenge in the Financial Times, The inewspaper and The Metro, and we’re keen to keep spreading the world to encourage as many people as possible to get involved.
If you’re preparing to embark on your very own #foodbankadvent challenge, or even if you’ve already started, we wanted to share our treasure trove of tips, hints and handy advice to make sure your donations really make a difference to the people who need them most.
Click the links to read each blogger’s #FoodBankAdvent article.
First up is Fiona from Savvy in Somerset who has helpfully highlighted the need to consider fuel poverty, and pack tinned stews, soups and even pot noodles as they take very little energy to cook.
Katy of KatyKicker.com and Emma The Money Whisperer are both keen that everyone taking part makes sure that they pick up the phone to their local food bank to ensure you’re packing what they really need. Katy also reminds us to consider pet food, though not often seen as essential, pets still require feeding despite any changes in owners’ circumstances.
Cyprian at MoneyNotes thinks if you’re doing the #foodbankadvent challenge tell us, tell your friends, tell your family, tell everyone! The more people who know about it, the more people are likely to get involved and the more people who will receive a helping hand. He’s even got his little MoneyNoter involved, and she’s been spreading the word at many a playdate.
Joleisa of Penny Pinchers Paradise highlights the importance of thinking about what people need beyond just food, particularly everyday personal care items for both males and females.
Tightwad Mama aka Jodie wants everyone to check the label and use by dates, and select items with a long shelf life.
Every Little Helps, and a top tip from Naomi over at Skint Dad is that if you hand over your #foodbankadvent box via a Tesco collection point, they’ll top up an extra 20% on top of what was donated.
If you’re keen to include some festive treats Faith at Much More With Less recommends considering boxes of biscuits and chocolates that the whole family can enjoy.
Andy at Be Clever with your Cash wants to remind you to try your best to be an early bird and get your donation in by early December if you can so that then volunteers have time to sort out how to distribute the supplies. If you are starting a bit late, he recommends that you wait until the New Year to hand it over.
Charlotte who blogs at Looking After Your Pennies asks anyone getting involved to consider people with special dietary requirements, such as gluten and dairy intolerances, particularly as these foods are often more expensive.
Last but by no means least, Eileen over at Your Money Sorted wants you to not simply think about getting involved in #FoodbankAdvent – do it! With figures from Trussell Trust statistics showing that food bank use has increased by 13% since last year, we very much agree!
This is a guest post by Cyprian who blogs at MoneyNotes, focussing on financial coaching and education through calling DIBS – Debt, Investing, Budgeting and Savings for better living.