More Than a Food Parcel: Supporting People Through Difficult Times

Recently, ‘For Men To Talk’ CEO Luke Newman met Ellie Hamilton, Project Director at The Need Project in Stotfold, to learn more about the vital support the organisation provides to local people.

Many people think food banks are only about providing food. In reality, they exist because many individuals and families simply do not have enough money to cover life’s basic costs. Rising housing costs, low wages, insecure work and gaps in benefits have left many people struggling to make ends meet. For many, needing a food parcel is not about poor budgeting. It is about poverty.

It is important to change the way we talk about food banks. Asking for help should never be seen as a failure. Reaching out during a difficult time is a responsible and positive step. Many people skip meals or get into debt because they feel embarrassed about asking for support. By talking openly about food banks, we can help remove that stigma and remind people that everyone needs help from time to time.

The Need Project does much more than provide emergency food parcels through referrals. The charity also works hard to reduce food waste while helping local communities.

The Need Project collects “best before” food from a range of local supermarkets. Every week, it distributes more than 500 bags of food across Stotfold, Sandy and Shefford. This prevents perfectly good food from going to landfill while helping people access essential supplies.

If there is any food that cannot be distributed directly, it is shared with other local charities, including Feed Up Warm Up and Kings Cabin in Letchworth. This means even more people benefit, and less food is wasted.

Luke Newman said: “Meeting Ellie and learning more about The Need Project was inspiring. They are supporting people with dignity while also reducing food waste. No one should feel ashamed to ask for help when times are tough. Communities are strongest when we look after one another.”

The Need Project also relies on donations from the public. Everyday cupboard items can make a real difference to someone facing financial hardship. Donations of tea, coffee, pasta, rice, cereal, soups, tinned vegetables, baked beans, tinned meat and fish, long-life milk, fruit juice, biscuits, toiletries and many other essential items are always welcome.

Every donation helps a local person or family who may be struggling. Even one or two items added to your shopping can make a meaningful difference.

If you would like to support The Need Project, you can donate items at one of its local food parcel drop-off points. A full list of collection locations is available on The Need Project website: https://theneedproject.org/2022/06/27/food-drop-off-collection-points/ 

By supporting organisations such as The Need Project, we are doing more than filling cupboards. We are helping people through difficult times, reducing waste, strengthening our communities and showing that no one has to face hardship alone.