Community in Action: Supporting Our Local Foodbank

At 4PS, we’re all about giving back and helping others; this year is no different. In 2024, we have decided to continue to offer our support to North Solihull Foodbank.  We’ve been helping them for a while now and have no intention of stopping! They do a lot of good in the local community, and we want to help keep that going.

Why the foodbank need us now more than ever

Foodbanks are so important, especially now when everything costs so much. They help people who simply don’t have enough money to buy food. Right now, many people are struggling because prices are rising – in all areas of life – and it’s hard to pay for all the things they need. That’s why donating food and other essentials to the foodbank can really help.

A recent report from The Trussell Trust has shown that the economic challenges of the past few years have been harder on specific groups of people. Many are struggling more than others, particularly when it comes to not having enough food. For example, many who don’t have enough to eat or need to use foodbanks are households with disabled members — more than half of those facing food shortages and three-quarters of those seeking help from Trussell Trust food banks. Families with children under 16 are also at a high risk, with nearly half of them facing food shortages. Moreover, the research points out that people from ethnic minority groups, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, those who have sought asylum, and individuals who were in foster care as children are all disproportionately affected by food insecurity.

It’s not just about food…

It’s not only about providing food; our support extends beyond just the basics of nutrition. Alongside food, we donate essential non-food items such as toilet paper, deodorant, and hand soap, which are crucial for maintaining hygiene and personal dignity. We understand that everyone’s needs are different, so sometimes, we also provide financial support via a cash donation. This allows the foodbank to purchase whatever is most urgently needed at any given time, whether it’s specific food items to meet dietary requirements, baby supplies, or any other necessities. By offering this more flexible support, we can assist foodbanks in helping a broader range of people more effectively and ensure that assistance is tailored to meet the community’s diverse needs.

How you can help, too

We know we can do a lot when we work together. If you can, you might think about giving some food or even your time to help at your local foodbank. Or, if you can, giving just a little money can help, too. Every little bit helps, and when we all chip in, we can do a lot of good.

Things are tough right now for many people, but by helping out the foodbank, we can hopefully make things a little bit better.