Person holding a mobile phone in supermarket with BanktheFood app open

New App lets you know what items local foodbank is in urgent need of

If you’re thinking about ways to support others this festive season, why not connect with your local foodbank using the BanktheFood charity App and donate?

BanktheFood will ping you a list of urgently needed items and show the location of the local donation stations.

As more people struggle with the cost of living, foodbanks across the country are struggling to keep up with demand. 

A free charity-run App
BanktheFood is a free charity-run App, run solely by volunteers, that enables users to find and connect with local foodbanks. It sends a push notification of the most needed items every time the foodbank runs low on essentials.

The App will even send a list of what’s urgently needed on arrival at the local supermarket, enabling shoppers to pick up a few extra items and donate at the local donation station.

Other items needed
It’s not just food that’s sought after. Many foodbanks also need pet food, toiletries and personal hygiene products; some will look to collect Christmas crackers and small toys as gifts for children over the festive period.

If foodbanks have fridges, they may also collect and redistribute fresh food. And as BanktheFood shares what your local foodbank is after in real time, it reduces the need for expensive storage.

Helping community foodbanks get what they need when they need it
Emma Spring, CEO of BanktheFood, explains,

“Christmas is often a tough time for people, and foodbanks will be a lifeline for many.

“If we can encourage people to use the free BanktheFood App, we can help community foodbanks get what they need when they need it and ensure nobody goes without. It makes a huge difference.”

Ginns: Users can record their donation on the App 
Jamie Ginns, CEO Greenwich foodbank, explains,

“BanktheFood has been brilliant. It helps us tell our supporters exactly what we need. As we respond to the cost of living crisis, donations targeted at what we most urgently need are vital for us to continue to do what we do. 

“BanktheFood users can record their donation on the App so that we can collect it immediately if needed.

“This means that we can continue to offer balanced food parcels. The number of people reliant on foodbanks has really increased; this App helps make sure everyone is looked after.”

Isle of Wight foodbank
According to the App, Isle of Wight foodbank currently needs:

  • Breakfast bars
  • Custard
  • Laundry detergent
  • Long life fruit juice
  • Men’s deodorant
  • Pot Noodles
  • Shaving gel
  • Sponge puddings
  • Squash

Download the BankTheFood App to find out more.


News shared by Stass on behalf of the BankTheFood App. Ed