Hackney Foodbank turns advent on its head

Counting down to Christmas with the Reverse Calendar: Andrew Wildridge of Hackney Foodbank.

Hackney Foodbank has an alternative to the traditional Advent calendar – they’re urging the public to donate food to a collection box each day.

With demand for the food bank more than double levels before the pandemic and food donations half what they were this time last year, it’s hoped the food bank’s Reverse Advent Calendar will bolster supplies.

Workplaces and households are urged to host collection boxes, with items such as corned beef, UHT milk, long-life juice and tins of meat, fish and fruit among the suggested items to drop in it each day. Festive treats are also welcomed.

Pat Fitzsimons, CEO of Hackney Foodbank, added: “Things are pretty desperate here – the rising cost of living is leaving many more people destitute and we rely on initiatives like the Reverse Advent Calendar more than ever.  We’d love to see businesses and households taking part – it would help if residents can share the details with their contacts and hopefully get whole streets collecting.

It’s a fun way of helping people experiencing hardship this winter. Some businesses choose to match what employees donate and that’s also a huge help.”

This year rising inflation and energy bills are hitting Hackney’s poorest communities hardest – many are unable to afford the basics like food and heating and the food bank is increasingly handing out no-heat food parcels to residents who can’t afford to cook.

Donations can be dropped at the Florence Bennett Centre in Cherbury Street, Hoxton, N1 6TL between 8.30am and 2pm Monday-Friday. Group donations must be booked through the website’s Calendly booking slot platform.

Download the full Reverse Advent Calendar here.