Extra items we need

Cardiff Foodbank calls for donations of extra items to help families

In 2015, Cardiff foodbank provided 12,140 three day emergency food supplies to local people in crisis, it also provides essential toiletries and sanitary items where possible, but these are often in short supply.

Last year local people donated an incredible 114 tonnes of food to the foodbank, but food isn’t the only type of donation that’s helpful. When people are referred for emergency support it’s not just food they’re short of, but also basic products – things like deodorant, shampoo, cleaning products and sanitary products. The Trussell Trust, which runs a network of 425 foodbanks in the UK, has reported stories of foodbanks helping women who were using newspaper, socks or loo roll instead of sanitary towels because they couldn’t afford anything more.

Catherine Williams Foodbank Manager, said

‘It’s natural that the first thing people think to donate to us is food, but we see a huge need for sanitary products and things like toilet roll and shampoo. As if not having enough money to put food on the family table isn’t bad enough, mums and teenage daughters have to face an extra, humiliating loss of dignity on top of that, just because it’s the wrong time of the month. That’s why we’re encouraging local people to donate these basic and essential, but often expensive, sanitary products to the foodbank. Whenever we give out sanitary products, women are visibly relieved and their faces light up. It’s heartbreaking to see, but also so important that we recognize this stark need, and work together to help women and girls to feel human again when they’ve hit rock bottom.’

Donations can be dropped off at:

• All Cardiff Council Libraries
• Tescos Culverhouse Cross, Western Avenue and St mellons.
• Sainsburys, Thornhill, Albany Road, Whitchurch Road, Rhiwbina and Colchester Ave
• Morrisons, Cardiff Bay and Newport Road
• Asdas Cardiff Bay and Leckwith
• Waitrose Pontprennau

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