Food banks across the UK provide essential support to people facing food insecurity. At Bristol North West Foodbank, the team is working hard to meet growing demand, even as donations decline.
Mark, the Warehouse Coordinator, shares how the food bank operates, the challenges they face, and how partnerships—like the one with Bankuet—are helping to keep food on the table for those who need it most.
Meeting the growing need in Bristol
Bristol North West Foodbank serves communities across North West Bristol, including Avonmouth, a heavily industrial area near the port. While this location provides access to large companies and supermarket depots for donations, the reality is that more people than ever need support.
“Our client base is large and, unfortunately, still growing,” says Mark. “The demand for food parcels has increased, but donations aren’t keeping up.”
Despite this challenge, the food bank continues to serve the community, offering not just food but additional resources to help people get back on their feet.
More than just food: The Home Bank
One of the unique aspects of Bristol North West Foodbank is its Home Bank—a project that provides essential household items alongside food parcels.
“For the last couple of years, we’ve been running a Home Bank, which allows us to provide equipment and tools that people need to cook and store food,” explains Mark. “We also supply furniture like beds, bookshelves, and sofas—anything we can get our hands on that might otherwise go to waste.”
By offering these essential items, the food bank ensures that people not only have food but also the means to prepare and store it.
The challenges of running a food bank
Like many food banks, Bristol North West Foodbank faces logistical challenges in managing supply and demand.
“One of our biggest challenges is knowing what’s coming in each day and figuring out what’s going out,” Mark shares. “For example, we’re always short on long-life milk and tinned food, but we often have way too much cereal—we have a whole shipping container off-site filled with it!”
To balance resources, the food bank works with other food banks in the region to swap excess stock. “A few weeks ago, I swapped a load of pet food for pasta with the Cardiff Food Bank. It’s a great way to make sure all donations are put to good use,” Mark adds.
How Bankuet helps
Managing unpredictable donations is one of the biggest hurdles for food banks. That’s where Bankuet comes in.
“Bankuet has been incredibly helpful for us,” says Mark. “It allows us to better manage donations, so we know exactly what’s coming in and when. That means we can keep our operations running smoothly and make sure we meet the needs of our clients.”
With donations dropping compared to last year, tools like Bankuet ensure the food bank can continue to provide vital support, even in uncertain times.
The power of community
Beyond food parcels, the food bank fosters a sense of community among both volunteers and clients.
During Volunteer Week, Mark spoke to volunteers about why they joined and why they stayed. “Almost 100% of them started during the pandemic,” he says. “Now, many of them have built friendships and even meet up outside of the food bank.”
Clients, too, are finding connection through the support they receive. “One group of people from the same building started using the food bank, and over time, they’ve formed their own little community,” Mark shares. “They now support each other, both with food and in other ways.”
How you can help
With demand rising and donations declining, Bristol North West Foodbank needs your help. Whether you give food, money, or time, every contribution makes a difference.
One of the easiest ways to support them is through Bankuet. By donating through their page on Bankuet, you ensure the food bank receives exactly what it needs, when it needs it.
“A huge thank you to everyone who has donated through Bankuet,” says Mark. “Your generosity is making a real difference in people’s lives. Thank you, and long may it continue!”
Help Bankuet get food banks what they need, when they need it.