Streamlining the service – Greenwich Foodbank improves scope of donations through new app

Greenwich Foodbank has hailed an app that is allowing its many generous donors to help the service become more efficient – and says it will be a boon for Christmas. 

The BanktheFood charity app, run solely by volunteers, was set up a year ago.

It enables users to find and connect with local food banks, and it will ping you a list of urgently needed items for the bank, every time it runs low on essentials.  

And it’s not just food that’s sought-after. Many food banks also need pet food, toiletries and personal hygiene products.

Some will look to collect Christmas crackers and small toys as gifts for children over the festive period. 

The app connects the user to their local food bank, tells them their most urgent needs and where to drop the donation.

Jamie Ginns, chief executive of Greenwich Foodbank, in Shooter’s Hill, said: “BanktheFood has been brilliant.

“It helps us tell our supporters exactly what we need. Donations targeted at what we most urgently need are vital for us to continue to do what we do. 

“BanktheFood users can record their donation on the app so that we can collect it immediately if needed.

“The number of people reliant on food banks has really increased and this app helps make sure everyone is looked after.” 

Emma Spring, of BanktheFood, said: “Christmas is often a tough time for people, and food banks will be a lifeline for many.

“If we can encourage people to use the free BanktheFood app, we can help community food banks get what they need when they need it and ensure nobody goes without.” 

Greenwich Foodbank is one of six in South London. Set up in 2012, it has helped 478 children and 564 adults in this month alone.

Pictured top: Jamie Ginns, the man in charge of Greenwich Foodbank (Picture: BanktheFood)