This is what you can put in a donation parcel for your local foodbank this Christmas
Hundreds of foodbanks are in operation across the UK - and as Christmas draws closer, they need more donations than ever to help keep families fed.
Emergency food parcels are made up using donations from supporters, with some collections staged in supermarkets, shopping centres and other public places in the run-up to December 25.
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Hide AdWith millions of people living in poverty across the country, any donation to your local foodbank would be much appreciated, especially at Christmas.
But what is the most helpful thing to give?
It's best to check with your local foodbank to see which items they are short of, but here is some general advice on items which go into a typical food parcel.
Don't forget, those asking for help might not just be in need of something to eat and drink.
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Hide AdToiletries can go into an emergency package too - and they can go a long way into helping someone feel better.
Here are some of our suggestions for a food parcel:
Beans, lentils and pulses
Biscuits
Canned fruit and vegetables
Cereal
Chocolate bars
Long-life juice
Rice pudding and custard
Pasta and rice
Soup
Tins of tomatoes and pasta sauce
Tea, coffee and sugar
UHT milk
Here are some of our suggestions for toiletry items you can donate:
Baby wipes
Deodorant
Nappies
Razors
Shaving foam
Soap, shower gel and shampoo
Tampons and sanitary towels
Toilet rolls and tissues
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Washing-up liquid
Washing powder
How to get started with a donation:
*Not sure where to donate? The network of foodbanks across the UK is a big one. Many foodbanks are run independently by local communities, while others are under the management of poverty charity The Trussell Trust. If you don't know where to start, why not contact your local Citizen's Advice Bureau, church or community group to see if they know which foodbank is nearest.
*The Independent Food Aid Network has mapped thehundreds of independent foodbanks in the UK here.
*You can also search within The Trussell Trust network here.