Reverse Advent Calendar Food Bank Challenge
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This year I am once again taking part in the UK Money Bloggers Reverse Advent Calendar Food Bank challenge or as we like to call it #FoodBankAdvent. I truly believe donating anything you can this November and December will really help those in need, especially as we have a government that recently voted against providing meals for those children who need it most.
Reverse Advent Calendar Food Bank Challenge
A reverse advent calendar is the opposite of a traditional advent calendar – you add items to a bag or box each day for a month which is then donated, in this case to your local food bank, instead of having something for yourself each day (usually a small square of chocolate)
We suggest doing this during November, so items can be donated at the start of December, giving food banks a few weeks to process and pass them on to those who need them most over the festive period.
Here’s exactly what you need to do:
- Choose a large shopping bag or cardboard box
- Add one item of food or toiletries each day during November
- Donate to your local food bank (find it here) in the first week of December
If you want your donations to have the biggest impact you can take a look a what your local food bank is most in need of. Often they have plenty of pasta and rice but are lacking in proteins such as tinned pies and stews. You can donate sweet treats too such as sponge puddings and custards, angel delight.
It’s also worth considering other household items that you could donate such as washing up liquid, toiletries, loo rolls, and washing powder, nappies and wet wipes.
Additionally, as it’s Christmas, a few Christmas treats will also be very much appreciated, such as:
- Christmas Pudding (or chocolate alternative)
- Chocolate Orange
- Selection box
- Mince Pies
- Box of Christmas Biscuits
- Trifle Making Kit
Make It A Community Project
Even the smallest donation will be very welcome at your local food bank, so even if you can’t afford to buy 30 items to donate, your efforts will still be appreciated.
However, it’s really easy to turn the revere advent calendar into a community project by asking your friends and colleagues to join in. If everyone donates a few items each then the impact could be much bigger and will help those in need.
You Don’t Have To Donate Food
While donating money rather than food may seem like you’re doing less it’s actually a great way for banks to be able to stock up on items they desperately need that may not often get donated. It also allows them to secure their premises so they can continue to help those in need.
I recently wrote a post detailing some of the ways you can help end food poverty for free.
Donating money is also a brilliant way to contribute if you’re living in a are area that has Coronavirus restrictions or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving the house at the moment.
Do you join in with a reverse advent calendar?
You can read my previous Foodbank Advent Posts below:
What To Donate To Your Local Food Bank
