Leeds families in turmoil this Christmas as food banks urgently need donations of these items to help

With the ongoing cost of living crisis, more and more people and families are having to turn to food banks to get help.

A food bank is a non-profit organisation that distributes food to those who do not have the money to acquire the basic essentials. These are usually ticketed systems whereby people sign up to get the help they need.

Food banks offer basic pantry items as well as toiletries and other necessities. Across Leeds, there are several banks helping people during this difficult period. The two main sites are the Leeds North and West and Leeds East and South foodbanks.

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Anyone can use the service, they exist to stop people in the local community from going hungry. As well as accepting volunteers, the banks also rely on people donating food and money so these important lifelines can carry on operating.

We looked at the main food bank websites in Leeds to find out which items they are in desperate need of. The banks are always looking for donations but need some items more urgently than others.

Non-perishable foods are desperately needed by food banks across Leeds following a sharp rise in requests (Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

With Christmas coming, it will be a difficult time for too many, a statement from Leeds South and East foodbank reads: "Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, but for too many people it’s becoming increasingly difficult. We are experiencing a time of economic turmoil and many more people and families in the local area are needing our services.

"With the cost of living crisis being felt, this December, Leeds South and East Foodbank predict that we will distribute over 700 emergency food parcels, feeding over 1000 adults and children in crisis.

"We have launched our Christmas Food Drive Appeal to support families and individuals in need this holiday. Please consider doing a food drive and donating it to our foodbank. We have plenty of resources to help you and please contact our office for further details."

Over 90% of the food distributed by foodbanks in The Trussell Trust network is donated by the public. Here are the items Leeds South and East and Leeds North and West foodbanks need donating.

Urgently needed food and non-food items November 2022 - Leeds South and East

• Dilute / Long life juice
• Tinned custard
• Tinned rice pudding
• Tinned potatoes
• Tinned vegetables
• Tinned spaghetti
• Cooking sauces
• Coffee / Tea
• Deodorant
• Shower gel
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Carrier bags
• Toilet rolls
• Sanitary pads / Tampons

Urgently needed food and non-food items November 2022 - Leeds North and West

• Milk (UHT)
• Fruit Juice (long life)
• Sweet and savoury spreads
• Sponge puddings (Long life)
• Tinned vegetables
• Pasta / Curry sauce
• Tinned fish
• Tinned fruit
• Tinned rice pudding
• Tinned custard
• Tinned tomatoes
• Breakfast cereals / Muesli / Granola
• Tinned meat
• Biscuits
• Rice
• Teabags
• Toilet Roll
• Powdered milk (Not baby milk)

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