Blog: Give What You Can: Food Bank Appeal and Festive Reading - Joanne Clement

Some of the many donations to our appeal.

Writing with great thanks and good will to everyone in University of Newcastle School of English (and beyond) who made a donation, read a poem, shared a story or came along to get in the spirit of our food bank drive event last year. It was a refreshing way to gather for the end of term and finish, well, to be polite let's just call it 'the year that was.'

Give What You Can aimed, through poetry, to bring together an audience who could to make a substantial contribution to food banks in our communities, close to our hearts. It's a new tradition to support, in a small but heartfelt way The Bay in North Tyneside and the South's Hospitality and Hope. 

 I, Daniel Blake

The Bay was set up in response to those whose circumstances have created crisis and struggle in their lives. To be frank, it is welfare cuts, zero hours contracts and unexpected problems with work or health forcing people to use these banks. It is not a lifestyle choice. Their use signifies poverty and distress in our society. A slight shift in circumstance can have a huge impact on a family or an individual, a topic explored in Ken Loach's latest award winning film I, Daniel Blake, which is a stark reminder that many of us are just one pay cheque or health problem away from life changing crisis.

The Trussell Trust is running a campaign this year which asks "Imagine you had nothing to eat for Christmas, what would you say to your kids?" I don't believe it's acceptable anyone in a supposedly civilized world should be in that position. To help those struggling we gathered to read poems, tell stories and collect donations. At home, I sorted the tins, boxes and packets into categories, turning my living room into a mini supermarket, which is exactly what food banks look like inside. To ensure stock rotation and prevent waste, every tin has to be dated and shelved on aisles. What particularly struck me about The Bay was the emphasis placed on the individuality of the customer. Sections included gluten free, sugar free and foods from around the world. It's so important to remember that dignity and tailoring to the needs of those in crisis is maintained, especially where health is a factor. But as human beings we must also remember the importance of pleasure. One tin in particular made me smile, Greek figs in a gorgeously designed can. Figs are my absolute favourite food and as I pulled it out of the bag, I realised how much this small gesture would mean to me were I in crisis and holding it in my hand. Given food banks largely don't take perishables, fruit is often forgotten and canned fruit offers a practical alternative to deliver food which is nourishing and offers a balanced diet.

How did we do? Well I sorted, counted and split the massive sleigh of donations for each food bank last night and unbelievably, we've racked up over 400 items! The impact these donations will have on families or individuals living in crisis is simply immeasurable. A little victory for kindness. Thank you for generously giving what some may see as little pleasures but we all know can end up being the essentials, especially at Christmas. Thank you for boxes of chocolate, puds and mince pies. For beans, a spare tin of soup or that meal-in-a-can. For buying a jar of peanut butter and also kids toothbrushes, thinking of the teeth of those little ones who will eat it. Thank you for donating spices, honey and coffee.  For remembering we all deserve sustenance as much as flavour. For taking action to ensure we can all have a decent quality of life, if we work selflessly and stick together. 

Hope you all had a restful and restorative Christmas. Thanks to all who took part.