The BBC reported that more young people are finding it hard to find "healthy, balanced meals" as the cost of living continues to rise. At RCV we're here to help and will be looking for opportunities to help the younger people in our community throughout the next few months.
The poll asked 16-24-year-olds about their worries or concerns. When asked what money-saving activities they’ve done in the last 6 months, alongside shopping at different supermarkets, spending savings, borrowing money, and 1 in 10 used a food bank.
These survey results come alongside the National Union of Students (NUS) reporting that they’re having to step in more with helping students cope with rising living costs.
This trend isn’t happening solely amongst young people, the use of food banks across the UK continues to rise, with some reporting a 50% increase.
Food banks are now dealing with a surge in demand, alongside a drop in donations. Already struggling with the demands the covid-19 pandemic placed on them, food banks are being stretched with the added pressure of increasing food prices.
As we enter the winter months and prices continue to rise, it’s only likely that food banks will become stretched even thinner.
What can you do to help?
Food banks rely on the generosity and support of the community through donations from those who can afford to.
These really make a difference in helping restock supplies and making sure there is food available for those who need it.
RCV runs a monthly collection for local food banks right from your doorstep. So all you need to do is pop a tin or two (or more!) outside on collection night and we’ll do the rest.
We run collections in:
Risca
Wattsville
Rogerstone
Crosskeys
Cwmfelinfach
Tin on a Wall takes place once a month, with our next collection taking place on Saturday 12th November. Follow our social channels to stay up to date. If you would like to take part as a street champion email our Tin on a Wall team at toaw@rcvuk.org and register your interest.
What food can you donate?
Stuck for ideas of what to donate? Here's some of the items we are always on the lookout for:
Baked beans
Pasta
Rice
Cereal
Tinned soup
Tinned meat; hot dogs, spam, mince
Tinned meals; chillis, soups, curries
Tinned veg (Sweetcorn, peas, potatoes, etc.)
Tinned fruit (peaches, pineapple, etc.)
Tea and coffee
Savory snacks (Crisps etc.)
Jams and spreads
Rice pudding
Cleaning products
Hygiene goods; including hygiene products for people who menstruate
So next time you do your shop, why not add in a couple of extra items and save them to donate to Tin on a Wall? It will make a difference to people in this community.
We wanted to finish this with a thank you to everyone who’s contributed to Tin on a Wall over the last two years. We’ve seen the kindness and generosity of the community and together have contributed 70 tonnes of food to local food banks and pantries through this activity and long may it continue.