Many of us never have to worry about where our next meal is coming from and this is something we should not take for granted. The coronavirus pandemic has forced many companies to axe jobs, leaving significant numbers of people unemployed and living in poverty. Their financial situation means that food is limited and, in many cases, adults go without to provide for their children. Food is a basic human right which everyone should have access to. But when you do not have enough money to support yourself, what can you do?
Foodbanks provide those in need with free food parcels which may include bread, milk, tinned tomatoes and pasta. Lots of individuals rely on these free schemes to survive which is why they are so important to maintain. However, many foodbanks rely on donations from the public and have donation sites in the community, such as boxes in supermarkets. Yet, because of the increase in poverty due to the current situation, more and more people are becoming reliant on foodbanks yet the donations are not increasing.
Earlier this week a local foodbank in Dartford put out a plea for more donations on social media when their stocks ran very low. I spoke to someone who donated to a local foodbank and this is what they had to say, “a few days ago I donated to a foodbank which is struggling under the pressures of the pandemic. I gave in a few items including bread and soup. I think that foodbanks are a vital part of the community and people should be encouraged to donate and help out because many people really appreciate it.”
Look out for donation boxes at your local supermarket next time you visit and if you can donate anything, it would really help out a family in need.
