Features / Bristol Charity Advent Calendar 2024
Bristol Charity Advent Calendar 2024, day 17: Bristol North West Foodbank
It is no secret, that we are in the middle of a cost of living crisis. Prices of everything from grains to household utilities are soaring. So much so that many might be unable to make ends meet, failing to feed themselves and their families.
While many of us may not know how to help these individuals or families, charities like Bristol North West Foodbank spend their every day recognising those in need and hoping to supply them with nutritious food.
Affiliated with the giant food-empowering NGO Trussel Trust, this food bank that opened in 2011 has fed more than 60,000 people.
is needed now More than ever
The charity recognises that a crisis might creep into the lives of individuals in any form, be it debt, redundancy, ill-health, family break up or something as minuscule as large bills. Bristol North West Foodbank helps these individuals power through tough times with their nutritious food parcels that contain three days’ worth of balanced, non-perishable food.
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Depending on availability, the charity also equips all of its five outlets with fresh food including fruits, vegetables, cake and bread and entertains special requests to meet dietary requirements of different people.
In the last six months of 2024, the north west food charity and its north and south and east counterparts have delivered 18,300 emergency food parcels with almost 40% of this support going to children.
David, who has been helped by the north west food bank shared his delight at the food’s quality: “My personal experience at the foodbank has been fantastic because I am in financial difficulties at the moment and without the help of the foodbank I don’t think I’d get by to be honest.
“I’m very grateful and the food I get is extremely good.
“I am happy with the fresh food as well as the tinned stuff. It’s really appreciated to be welcomed with a cup of tea and a piece of cake.”
The charity moved into the social justice hub in Avonmouth in 2019
Another client Steven, had similar things to say about the charity’s food: “The foodbank is warm, friendly and inviting. Every member of staff seems to smile and are happy to sit with you for as long as you want.
“When you’re at your lowest point, the hosts and hostesses always seem to pick you up, dust you down and send you on your way with a kind word and a strengthened soul.”
Apart from supplying food to those in need, the charity also conducts cookery classes and woodworking workshops – two other ways to make the community feel equipped with the necessary skills to battle through their everyday struggles.
They also offer a first come, first serve energy grant that can be used to repay energy bills.
Well before the Christmas period, the charity begins taking in donations for their reverse Advent calendar, which they then use to pack holiday hampers for the less fortunate.
The charity operates from five north west locations in Henbury, Avonmouth, Severn Beach, Hotwells and Lawrence Weston.
All photos: Bristol North West Foodbank
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