How our food bank works

What is a food bank?

Food banks provide emergency food and practical support to people who have been left without enough money to live on.  

People also get emotional support, and a reminder that they are not alone and someone understands. Our volunteers offer a friendly face and basic kindness. For many people, it’s the first time someone has sat down and listened to them – especially when they have been worn down by the way our social security system currently works.

What is a food voucher?

A food voucher is required to get help from a food bank. Community organisations such as housing associations, GPs and advice charities can provide a referral for a food voucher, which is then exchanged for a food parcel at our foodbank.

Find out how and where to get a food voucher

A note on Trussell's referral system

Referral agencies assess people for financial hardship before referring them to a food bank. Trussell's data collection system flags when a person has had more than three vouchers in a six-month period. This is intended to act as a prompt for the food bank to check with the referral agency that the person is being offered all the support available to help address the underlying cause of crisis. If the referral agency confirms this is the case, the food bank will continue to provide additional food parcels as needed.

Occasionally, during times of increased pressure on food stocks, food banks do impose a voucher limit, usually somewhere between three and five vouchers in six month.

More than food

We offer holistic support and advice to people, often at their toughest moment, in two ways: through funding advisers at our food bank, and through other external advice services.

This wraparound approach connects people with wider support and puts more money into their pockets, making it far less likely someone will need a food bank in the future. 

Who runs food banks?

Our food bank is run by the local community, for the local community. From trustees through to volunteers, our team is made up of local people committed to providing support across the area.

Our food bank is an independent charity, with an independent board of trustees.