The money will go towards the purchase of basic toiletries for the toiletry pack that we give alongside a food parcel. Including: toilet roll, soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shaving foam, razors, sanitary pads, baby wipes, nappies and washing-up liquid.
The demand for Slough Foodbank has increased year on year. There were 11,300 food parcels during 2023 an increase of 21% on the previous year. Due to the cost of living crisis, we have had a significant decrease in the amount of food and toiletries donated, resulting in Slough Foodbank purchasing both food and toiletries.
Laura Cole, Slough Foodbank Manager commented: “We are so grateful to Berkshire Community Foundation for this grant specifically for toiletries. We have to focus on our primary objective of providing food parcels and we are purchasing more food due to increased demand and decreased donations. Recently we’ve been struggling to provide the toiletries that we would like to, so this grant will be so helpful.”
Jon Yates, CEO of Berkshire Community Foundation, said: “At Berkshire Community Foundation, we work to enable vibrant, caring and resilient communities by directing philanthropic funds towards charities that perform vital functions for local people. We are delighted to support Slough Foodbank in its important work and look forward to the positive impact enabled by this grant.”
Slough Foodbank’s primary function is to supply a three-day emergency food parcel to those who suddenly find themselves in an unexpected food poverty crisis. In addition to food, we also supply basic toiletries.
Berkshire Community Foundation works across Berkshire to raise, then distribute, funds to charities and community groups in the County.
Notes to editor
About Slough Foodbank
Slough Foodbank’s primary function is to supply a three-day emergency food parcel to those who suddenly find themselves in an unexpected food poverty crisis. In addition to food, we also supply basic toiletries, SIM cards to help people stay digitally connected, Emergency fuel vouchers to enable clients to cook the food we provide or heat their homes. We have a Financial Inclusion project with Citizens Advice to help give advice, so clients can reduce their reliance on crisis support in the future.
About Berkshire Community Foundation
Berkshire Community Foundation works across Berkshire to raise, then distribute, money directly to local causes. We operate to ensure any form of philanthropy, whether from an individual or an organisation, is effective and brings greatest benefit to those in need in our local communities. Find out more at www.berkshirecf.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. To get in touch, email [email protected].