While many of us gather with loved ones around tables full of food, light and warmth, there are families in our community here on the South Coast facing empty cupboards. No one should go hungry, especially during the festive period. Christmas is a time for giving, so let’s make a difference and do what we can to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the festivities with full stomachs.
As 2024 draws to a close and the festive season is soon in full swing, Team OSKA has been busy spreading festive cheer to those that need it most. Throughout December, the team has been collating a wide array of food items to donate to our local food bank, The Beacon Church. As a local business, we understand the importance of giving back to the local community we are so lucky to be situated in.
With financial stresses on the rise again due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, along with the challenges of colder months and the pressures of the festive season, donations are more critical than ever. The number of ‘food insecure’ households has risen significantly over the past five years, with the latest figures citing 7.2 million people in the UK (Francis-Devine, 2024) in food poverty. However, with the essential need for more and more food banks, donations are now being spread thinly, and the amount of donations are sadly decreasing (London City Hall, 2024). We recognise the rising importance of supporting these charities, which is why OSKA is keen to give back to those in need and donate what we can.
If you’re able to give, you’re able to change a life.
So, this Christmas we are asking whether you have thought about other ways to get into the festive spirit and spread some seasonal cheer? Whether you have a few items in your cupboard that could be spared, or you could add a couple of items to the end of your shopping list, it can all make the most vital difference over the winter months.
If you too would like to donate, here’s a list of items most food banks across the UK are in desperate need of:
- Cereal
- Pasta
- Canned fish
- Rice pudding
- Canned beans
- Custard
- Squash
- Lentils
- Sugar
- Cooking sauce
- Jams/spreads
- Long life milk
- Biscuits
- Tea/coffee
- Canned meat
- Canned potatoes
Over the holiday season, we believe everyone should be able to enjoy a festive treat, so to spread that extra bit of festive cheer to your food hamper, why not include some mince pies, Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, selection boxes, or festive savoury snacks?
This year, OSKA has focused on increasing our Environmental Social Governance (ESG) initiatives. Here on the South Coast, our local area is classed as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) so we organised a beach clean a stone’s throw from our head office, hosted a Macmillan bake sale raising £320, and turned our pre-loved into RE-loved clothing to support our local hospice high-street shops. By supporting charities in our area and improving our community’s local natural environment, it has not only positively impacted the business’ footprint but brought the people behind OSKA brand closer together through positive impacts achieved as a Team, as well as boosted everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.
Together we are stronger!
Participating in initiatives like these also spark conversation, generate awareness, and demonstrate the power of our impact when we work together as one. We are proud to be able to make a positive difference with our initiatives and will continue to do more in 2025. Keep an eye out for what’s to come next from Team OSKA!
With 2024 coming to a close, we would like to wish clients, colleagues and friends Seasons Greetings. Whatever you choose to do, we hope everyone is able to enjoy some quality time with family and friends.
For our colleagues on the frontline of healthcare, thank you for all the care you have given, and all the care you continue to give.
If you are local to Havant or the surrounding area and you would like to support this worthy cause, please contact The Beacon Church Food Bank.
References
- Francis-Devine, B. (2024). Who is experiencing food insecurity in the UK? [online] House of Commons Library. Available at: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/who-is-experiencing-food-insecurity-in-the-uk/ [Accessed 11 Dec. 2024].
- London City Hall (2024). Supporting London’s food banks. [online] www.london.gov.uk. Available at: https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/communities-and-social-justice/supporting-londons-food-banks [Accessed 11 Dec. 2024].
