Gyeonggi Food Bank Now Accepts Donations of Daily Necessities Like Detergents, Toilet Paper, and Towels

Gyeonggi Province has called on residents to participate in its 'Food Bank' program, emphasizing that donations can include not only food but also a variety of daily necessities such as detergents and toilet paper. The Food Bank·Market program provides donated items free of charge to vulnerable groups, and there are currently 78 local Food Bank·Market locations operating in Gyeonggi Province.

Gyeonggi Province explained that, due to the perception created by the name 'Food Bank,' many believe only food can be donated. As a result, of the 69.1 billion won in donations received last year, food accounted for 60.8 billion won, or 88% of the total, while daily necessities made up only 8.3 billion won (12%).

Anyone can easily donate daily necessities as long as they are new and unused. Eligible donation items include: ▲detergents (shampoo, conditioner, laundry and kitchen detergents, etc.), ▲paper products (toilet paper, wet wipes), ▲personal hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving items, etc.), ▲cleaning and environmental hygiene products (rubber gloves, scrubbers, etc.), ▲towels (towels, dishcloths, etc.), and ▲women's hygiene products (sanitary pads). Donors are eligible to receive donation receipts and tax deduction benefits.

Gyeonggi-do Food Bank Market Promotional Poster

Individuals or companies wishing to donate, as well as residents in need of support due to financial difficulties, can receive consultation through the Gyeonggi Provincial Food Bank website (https://kg1377.or.kr/)

or by calling the main phone number (031-294-1377).

Kim Hana, Director of Welfare at Gyeonggi Province, stated, "The Food Bank is not simply about distributing donated items as they come in. It is important to listen to what users actually need and to identify and connect with appropriate donation sources accordingly," adding, "We will continue to realize practical welfare that reflects the voices of users, rather than providing standardized support."

Meanwhile, according to the '2025 Food Bank User Preference Survey' conducted by Gyeonggi Province in March among 480 individuals and group representatives who use the Food Bank, 'detergents' ranked highest in preference at 61% among 71 subcategories (multiple responses allowed). Paper products ranked seventh at 53%, and personal hygiene products (such as toothpaste and toothbrushes) ranked nineteenth at 44%.