Most of us want to help but are not sure what is useful. Here is a simple guide, based on the list we shared for Caps & Cans and what Manchester Central Foodbank asked for.
The most useful things
Foodbanks usually need long-life items that make up a basic meal. Think:
- Tinned meat and fish
- Tinned vegetables and fruit
- Tinned soup and baked beans
- Pasta sauce and pasta
- Cereal
- Coffee and tea
- UHT milk
- Instant mashed potato
- Toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, soap)
Toiletries often get forgotten, but they matter just as much as food.
Things to check before you give
- Dates. Only donate food that is in date. Check the best before date.
- Packaging. No open, damaged or dented items.
- Local needs. Every foodbank is a little different. Check their website or social media for a current list.
What to skip
- Fresh food unless the foodbank says they can take it
- Alcohol
- Anything homemade
- Items close to expiring
Money works too
If you cannot get to a collection point, cash helps. Foodbanks can buy exactly what is running low, in bulk. Many have a JustGiving page. Manchester Central Foodbank is at justgiving.com/m-c-f.
Other ways to help
- Volunteer your time
- Collect donations at work, school or your place of worship
- Share the foodbank's needs list on social media
- Ask local shops if they run collection points
Why it matters
Manchester Central Foodbank supports over 1,200 people every month across central, east and north Manchester. It is part of the Trussell network and started in 2013 as the first student-led foodbank in the UK. The need is real and it is close to home.
We gave a free go on our games to anyone who donated at Caps & Cans, and it worked because giving became something fun and shared. You can do the same with friends or colleagues.
Read how our event went in our Caps & Cans story.
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