Welcome, YPI teams — thanks for choosing to champion Inverclyde Foodbank.
Use this pack to build a clear, evidence-based pitch for the £3,000 grant.
1) The Fast Facts (stats for your presentation)
📊 Judges love local data. Use the facts below (and update the placeholders if your teacher asks for the latest numbers).
Who we are: We’re the emergency food safety net for Inverclyde — helping ensure no one in our community has to go hungry.
People supported last year (Inverclyde): 6429
Children supported: Around 1 in 3 emergency food parcels we distribute go to children under 16.
Why people are referred:
Rising cost of living (energy bills and food prices)
Unexpected crises (illness, job loss, relationship breakdown)
Delays or gaps in benefits/wages
2) How the Foodbank Works (the journey)
🧭 A great pitch explains the process clearly.
Donations come in from churches, schools, supermarkets, and the public
Sorting & date-checking by the warehouse team
Balanced parcels are planned using nutrition guidelines provided by Trussell
Parcels are packed (typically a 3-day supply of non‑perishable breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Dignified distribution via referral partners to individuals and families
More than food: we offer a warm welcome and can connect people to further support (e.g., debt advice, employability support) to help break the cycle of crisis.
3) The Human Impact (the “heart” of your pitch)
💬 Data wins minds — stories win hearts. You can use this anonymised quote or one of the attached downloads.
“I never thought I’d have to use a food bank. I worked all my life, but after a sudden medical issue, I couldn’t work and the bills piled up instantly. Walking through the door was terrifying, but the team didn’t judge me. They listened to me, and gave me enough food to feed my kids for the week. They didn’t just save my budget; they saved my dignity.”
4) If we win — exactly what the £3,000 would do
🎯Judges mark down vague answers like “it will go into the general pot”. Be specific.
If your team wins the £3,000, the money would be allocated to our “Fill the Gaps” Emergency Fund.
The problem: donations are generous, but we often run short of essentials (e.g., tinned meats/meals, UHT milk) that keep parcels balanced.
The solution: the grant allows us to buy the missing essentials in bulk when donations dip — so no family receives an incomplete parcel.
Direct impact (estimate): £3,000 can help supplement roughly [Add amount, using the Foodbank Impact Calculator] family food parcels (depending on prices and what’s needed most at the time).
5) How to get an A* (pitch tips)
⭐ Use these to make your presentation stand out.
Come visit us: arrange a short visit to see the warehouse and take real photos/videos for your pitch.
Interactive intro idea: hold up a single tin of food and ask the judges how far they think it goes — then compare that with the reality of food poverty locally.
Use your voice: be passionate — you’re presenting on behalf of people in your community.
Mission Statement
We are here to help anyone who is facing hunger get the support they need. We want everyone to be able to afford their own food, but until a hunger free future is possible, we'll be here for as long as we're needed to make sure no one in our community goes hungry
💡Use this logo for your presentation
#00AB52
#0A3D2E
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Real stories
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What did your life look like just a few months before you had to use the food bank?
We were struggling for food and struggled to talk to people, now I am part of the Foodbank Volunteer Team.
What was the specific 'tipping point' or unexpected bill that meant you couldn't afford food that week?
I’d moved to Greenock and I couldn’t find a job due to being signed off.
How did it feel walking through the doors of the food bank for the very first time?
I was nervous.
What was the biggest surprise about how you were treated when you arrived?
They were very welcoming and made me feel at ease.
What difference did that food parcel make to your family's week?
Being able to eat and have no worries.
If you could tell the school pupils who are collecting food one thing about why their help matters, what would it be?
You could be helping people and family’s who have move into the area for a fresh start and just can’t afford things that they need.
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What did your life look like just a few months before you had to use the food bank?
Life was more difficult, visiting the foodbank has been a very positive experience and the staff made it positive with their friendly and positive attitude.
What was the specific 'tipping point' or unexpected bill that meant you couldn't afford food that week?
Universal Credit covered my direct debits but with what was left I found myself missing meals.
How did it feel walking through the doors of the food bank for the very first time?
I was nervous and had no idea what to expect. I was put at ease immediately by all the staff.
What was the biggest surprise about how you were treated when you arrived?
Very relaxed and positive atmosphere. Very helpful staff who put you at ease straight away.
What difference did that food parcel make to your family's week?
Less stress, no skipping meals. Huge difference.
If you could tell the school pupils who are collecting food one thing about why their help matters, what would it be?
Being given food parcels makes a huge difference to a person’s well being and piece of mind. It really does make a difference. Believe that.
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What did your life look like just a few months before you had to use the food bank?
We were borrowing money from our family every month to feed ourselves and our pets.
What was the specific 'tipping point' or unexpected bill that meant you couldn't afford food that week?
We were borrowing money from family members that had children themselves. We knew this wasn’t a long term fix.
How did it feel walking through the doors of the food bank for the very first time?
I felt awkward.
What was the biggest surprise about how you were treated when you arrived?
I was surprised to find that they had more than just food and that you could also get toilet roll, shampoo, shower gel and pet food.
What difference did that food parcel make to your family's week?
There was food in the cupboards, we wouldn’t be going hungry.
If you could tell the school pupils who are collecting food one thing about why their help matters, what would it be?
It helps more than you realise.
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What did your life look like just a few months before you had to use the food bank?
Alone, suicidal.
What was the specific 'tipping point' or unexpected bill that meant you couldn't afford food that week?
Everything... everything.
How did it feel walking through the doors of the food bank for the very first time?
I saw Adam - he made me feel it's okay, he makes everyone on the same level.
What was the biggest surprise about how you were treated when you arrived?
That I wasn't shunned - that someone wanted or could help... you've no idea.
What difference did that food parcel make to your family's week?
I don't have a family, or friends, it made me survive. seriously.
If you could tell the school pupils who are collecting food one thing about why their help matters, what would it be?
Be proud that you're helping families in need. x
Food for Thought
Use these questions to think about using the foodbank yourself
How would it feel to open your kitchen cupboards at home and realize there is literally nothing there for tea?
If you woke up tomorrow and your family suddenly had no money for food, what do you think would have happened to cause it?
How many missed paydays do you think it takes for a normal house in our town to go from doing fine to having empty cupboards?
If you had to choose between turning the heating on in the freezing winter or buying dinner for the week, how would you make that choice?
Imagine walking up to the foodbank doors right now. Who are you worried might see you, and how does your stomach feel?
If your family had to use the food bank, would you want your friends at school to know? Why or why not?
Now, how would it feel to see someone from your school community step up to fill it?
Useful links
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Visit our site and find out more about Inverclyde Foodbank
Find out more about Social Action Ministry, Inverclyde Foodbank and the i58 Project here
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Trussell is an anti-poverty charity and community of food banks. We work together to ensure no one in the UK needs a food bank to survive, while providing emergency support for people left without enough money to live on.
Find out more about the work of Trussell here
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How much do you know about the Social Security system and how it impacts people who need to use to food banks
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Find out how young people across the UK are working together to fight the causes of poverty and create a better future.
Contact information
Lead contact: Adam, Foodbank Manager
Email: inverclydefoodbank@gmail.com
Phone/Text: 07506 530638
Facebook: @inverclydefoodbank
Instagram: @inverfoodbank