How you can help feed the food banks in Bristol this Christmas as demand for emergency parcels increases

North Bristol Food Bank gave 15,270 three-day emergency food supplies to people in need last year.

Part of the Trussell Trust Foodbank Network, they have nine locations around Bristol.

Their aim is to work to combat poverty and hunger across Bristol and the country.

Christmas is a joyous time for most but can be particularly stressful for those living on the breadline, especially those who have families to support.

Food insecurity often comes with other problems like housing insecurity making it harder for people to cope.

With the Trussell Trust reporting an 11 per cent increase in the amount of food parcels given out from pre-pandemic levels across the country it’s important to step up and help in whatever way we can.

For those wanting to help this Christmas they have two easy suggestions: consult their shopping list and drop off any donations at one of their locations.

If you want to be a bit more creative why not try their reverse advent calendar?

This involves filling up a box with an item every day in December and donating the box with all 24 items on Christmas Eve at one of the Foodbank Collection Points.

They also accept financial donations and always need volunteers if you want to help out in person. They are currently looking for volunteers to help make Christmas hampers and pack emergency food parcels.

Bristol North West Food Bank are also opening to partnering with individuals, businesses, faith groups and schools for fundraisers.

While it may be too late for this year, you can plan ahead and host a fundraiser to raise money next year. Ideas for fundraisers include sponsored runs, bake sales and raffles.

For more information on fundraising go here.

Other food bank initiatives in the city include those at the University of Bristol.

Besides food banks there are many organisations in Bristol working to reduce poverty and food insecurity.

This list by Bristol Food Network is a great starting point if you are interested in getting involved.

Everyone deserves to have three meals a day and it’s thanks to these organisations and the generous donations from people that they are working on making that a reality.