Food banks to donate to this Christmas

In the fast-paced world we live in, it is easy to forget how lucky we are. Christmas is more than just an occasion to celebrate, it is also the time for giving and sharing with your loved ones. This year, why not extend your graciousness to people in need. Whether you head to the shops to purchase a few items or regift some things you received and don’t need, here are some food banks open and hoping for donations.

Read more: HKIS on giving back this Christmas

Feeding Hong Kong

Feeding Hong Kong created its Festive Food Drive this year with community collection points across Hong Kong. Drop off canned soups, beans, vegetables and cooking oil and they will deliver to families in need this Christmas. You can also join warehouse sessions or bread runs to help out in its trials to reduce food waste. Check its website for a schedule of volunteering opportunities.

Foodlink Foundation

Founded in 2001, Foodlink Foundation is a registered charity that collected surplus food to deliver to those in need. It’s online meal pack donation feature means you don’t need to leave your house to give back. There are opportunities for interested individuals or companies to donate miscellaneous food products or become sponsors via its website.

Food Angel

Food Angel has various food collection points across Hong Kong. Donate unopened dry food and drinks, fresh fruits and vegetables, oils and grains. It also takes volunteers to help with processing and sorting vegetables, processing food meals and distributing meals to elderly.

Read more: 13 charities to support in Hong Kong

Food-Co

Food-co has created an easy to use food donation programme where you register as a donor and select the items you will be able to donate. Its food sharing map shows some of the foodservice points, restaurants and estates that it is currently working with. You can also volunteer to help with logistical, kitchen or warehouse support.

Food For Good

Food For Good’s mission is very clear, to facilitate food waste reduction in Hong Kong. To do so, it promotes the recycling of lunch box leftovers, sets up school gardens and community hardens in housing estates. Food waste reduction also starts with promote an environmentally-friendly way of eating. That’s way it also has community kitchens set up to redistribute surplus food to those in need. You can donate dry foods and sealed packages as well as volunteer to be part of the distributing groups.

J Life Foundation

Next to food distribution plans, J Life Foundation also facilitates a pork vouchers scheme and hot meal distributions for the elderly. The food bank also collects surplus bakery products from local bakeries on a daily basis for its bread run. To follow up, the NGO also emphasizes educating the younger generation to help others help themselves.

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Food Grace

With three main food recycling stations in Tai Po, Yuen Long and Kwai Tsing districts, Food Grace collects surplus food everywhere. Its mission statement is to promote low waste, low carbon footprint and establishing a local network. The food bank collects surplus vegetables, bread, packaged foods and dry foods. All you have to do is email (or call them) the details of your foods, the quantity and the date of delivery.

YWAM Hong Kong

The Hong Kong branch of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) is charity that has a range of projects including food banks, feeding programs and blessing bags to give back to those in need. Fill in its contact form for find out how you can contribute and read about its various projects.

St James’ Settlement

St James’ Settlement started the People’s Food Bank program started in 2003 for underprivileged individuals and families. In response to the Covid-19 situation, it has modified its food bank program to have food delivered to people’s doors. It also regularly runs hot meal services, nutrition programs, and milk powder distributions.

Hong Kong Second Hand Exchange

If you were gifted something you might not use, consider donating to the Hong Kong Second Hand Exchange, an online trading platform partnered with the Environmental Protection Department. The platform accepts various goods such as clothing, books, electronic equipment and toys.