Meeting the growing need for support
Food banks play a vital role in helping those facing food insecurity, and Brighton Women’s Centre Food Bank is no exception. Every day, their team works tirelessly to support women from across Brighton who are experiencing financial hardship. As living costs continue to rise, more women are turning to the food bank for assistance. Yet, donations aren’t keeping pace with the growing demand.
“The demand is increasing, and we’re seeing a lot of women who are struggling with more than just food insecurity. They often face financial challenges, housing instability, and mental health issues too,” shares Evie, a volunteer at Brighton Women Centre Food Bank.
“The demand is increasing every day, but supplies don’t always meet that demand. Our cupboards are often empty at the end of a shift. Lots of food goes fast, and we have people asking if they can come once a week instead of once every two weeks, but we just don’t have the resources right now to meet that.”
The rise in demand has highlighted the importance of continued donations to help meet the needs of their clients.
The role of donations
Community support remains essential to the food bank’s operation. Some items are always in high demand, while others are already well-stocked.
✅ Most needed: High-protein foods, such as pulses and beans, and basmati rice
🚫 Least needed: Pasta (the food bank is well-stocked with pasta at the moment)
“We often receive lots of pasta, but what we really need are items that provide balanced nutrition—things like pulses, beans, and rice. Donations targeted to these needs are incredibly helpful,” says Evie.
How Bankuet supports the food bank
One of the biggest challenges food banks face is making sure they have the right items at the right time. This is where Bankuet’s donation platform helps. Through Bankuet, Brighton Women Centre Food Bank can order exactly what they need, in bulk, at the best prices.
“It helps us fill the gaps on our shelves. What’s nice about Bankuet is that it gives us the power to choose. The women can come to us and say, “This is what we want, this is what we need,” and we can pass that on to Bankuet to get specific items tailored to our clients’ needs”, says Evie. “It means we have a greater diversity of resources on our shelves. We’re no longer at the mercy of whatever is left in the big chains, and we can actually choose what we get in and when. That’s a huge benefit.”
A women-only safe space
Brighton Women’s Centre Food Bank is the only women-only food bank in the area. It provides a safe space where women can access not only food but a range of other services, such as support for mental health and financial challenges.
“We’re able to meet women where they are, not just provide food, but also help them connect to the other resources and support they need,” shares Evie.
How you can help
Brighton Women’s Centre Food Bank relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to maintain their operations. Bankuet’s donation platform allows individuals to donate directly, ensuring the food bank receives exactly what it needs.
“Even a small monthly donation makes a huge difference. It helps us plan ahead and ensure that we can continue supporting the women who rely on us,” says Evie.
Through donating via their page on Bankuet, you can help ensure that Brighton Women’s Centre Food Bank can continue to provide essential support to women in need.
Together, we can make sure no woman goes hungry and that everyone has the support they need to thrive.
Help Bankuet get food banks what they need, when they need it.