Lent Challenge

DF4TA and food provider partners are currently facing an unprecedented increase in demand as energy costs soar, food prices rise, and with bills set to go up again in April, many people are struggling financially.

We are determined to support those in need through these difficult times, but we can only do so with the incredible support we receive from our donors.

The latest report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation highlights that Derby South now has the highest rates of child poverty in the East Midlands and with utility costs, including water, set to increase by 21.7% in April, as well as rising rent, council tax, and energy costs, those already in poverty, and those living on the edge, will be hit the hardest.

Our challenges start on Wednesday 5th March to  Thursday 17th April.

Challenge A 

Choose to donate one food item a day for 40 days. 

Here’s a list of common food items that could be helpful for donations for Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance and food partners. These items are usually shelf-stable and in high demand:

1. Tinned vegetables (e.g. peas, carrots, sweetcorn)
2. Tinned fruit (e.g. peaches or fruit cocktail in natural juice or water)
3. Tinned baked beans with sausages
4. Rice (long-grain, basmati, or any kind)
5. Breakfast cereal
6. Tinned custard
7. Tinned soup
8. Tinned meat e.g. stewing steak, chicken or mince
9. Tinned tuna or salmon
10. Spreads - peanut butter or chocolate
11. Strawberry jam or honey
12. Tinned tomatoes
13. Tea bags – in packs of 40
14. Instant coffee - small jars or sachets
15. Long-life semi-skimmed milk
16. Cartons of long-life fruit juice (1 litre or individual)
17. Porridge oats
18. Tinned meat chilli or curry
19. Tinned pasta meals (e.g. ravioli or macaroni cheese)
20. Crisps/snack packs (for families or individuals)
21. Sugar
22. Flour (plain, self-raising, or strong white bread flour)
23. Cooking oil (sunflower or vegetable)
24. Instant mashed potatoes
25. Packet desserts or baking mixes (cake, pancake, or bread mixes)
26. Tinned rice pudding
27. Tinned baked beans
28. Tinned hot dogs or meatballs
29. Tinned spaghetti hoops or strands
30. Sugar-free fruit squash (dilutable)
31. Pasta sauce (tomato or vegetable-based)
32. Herbs & spices (e.g. salt, pepper, mixed herbs) or ketchup or mayonnaise
33. Biscuits or cookies
34. Popcorn (microwaveable or bagged)
35. Tinned luncheon meat, ham or corned beef
36. Tinned potatoes
37. Instant soup in a cup
38. Cooking sauces in pouches/packets
39. Long life whole milk, or dairy alternatives (e.g. oat or soy milk)
40. Tinned vegetarian chilli or curry

You could also get creative with donations of items that could make a complete meal for someone, like pasta with sauce or meat with tinned veg and potatoes.

It need not just be cans – packets, toiletry and cleaning items are needed too. Some ideas on items needed are below: 

Household items:

• Washing-up liquid
• Wash powder and fabric softener
• Toilet cleaner
• Bacteria spray

Our challenge can be taken up in the workplace, at school, in your church community, faith community, at home with your family or neighbours or in those clubs and societies that you are members of.

Challenge B

Choose to give up something you love each week.

We’re asking you to give up one thing each week that you love, and donate the total money you save at the end of the 40 days. It's a great way to turn small personal sacrifices into collective support for those in need. The suggestions, below are simple but impactful. By donating the money saved or purchasing items from the donation list, participants can make a tangible difference.

We have come up  with some ideas below,  but what treat do  you think  you can go  without for the period of lent to  help your local community. 

• Giving up your daily/weekly takeaway coffee or tea 
• Giving up that slice of cake or chocolate treat 
• Skipping a bottle of wine
• Reducing the weekly takeaways 
• Lunchtime meal deals
• Cheeky Greggs treat 

 Every small sacrifice can make a big difference! Your contribution will help provide food and essential support to those in need in our community. Together, we can make a real impact.

How you do it is up to you, but please be encouraged to take up the challenge!

What happens at the end of the challenges?

At the end of the 40 day challenges on Thursday 17th April you can: 

• Box up your items and take to one of our donation points (list coming soon). 
• Bank the money you’ve raised - there are a number of ways to donate to us.  Please don't forget to Gift Aid your donation too.

Fundraising Pack

Please download resources that may help you and your groups raise awareness for your 40 day food drive.

Printable Challenge Poster (1,561.56 KB)

Lent Challenge Shopping List (247.01 KB)

Donation Box Template (88.70 KB)

Food Drive Bunting (1,528.11 KB)

Fundraising Bunting (214.69 KB)