Get Help
FAQs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions:
How does my organisation make a referral to the foodbank?
Our foodbank works with a range of local agencies who meet people at risk of going hungry. Citizens Advice, Job Centre Plus, Early Help Hub, GP surgeries, schools, social workers and health visitors are just some of those who can refer people to our foodbank by issuing them with a foodbank E voucher. If you think that your organisation could help people by referring them to our foodbank, please get in touch with us to discuss becoming a registered E referral agency.
Where is my nearest foodbank centre?
Please go to the locations page to find the address and opening times of each of our foodbank centres. Please note you must have a an E-voucher code to receive help from the foodbank. If you don’t have a voucher please contact us to find out how to get a voucher.
What’s in a typical food parcel?
A typical food parcel contains a minimum of three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable, tinned and dried foods that have been donated by the local community. A typical food parcel includes: breakfast cereal, soup, pasta, rice, pasta sauce, baked beans, tinned meat,tinned fish, tinned vegetables, instant mash, UHT milk, tea, coffee, tinned desserts and biscuits.
Can the parcel be adapted to special dietary requirements?
Our foodbank can usually adapt your food parcel to suit your dietary needs. Just let them know when you arrive with your E voucher. We can provide specific parcels for a range of needs including people with diabetes, gluten intolerance, vegans, vegetarians and halal. We will also endeavour to adapt your parcel to accommodate any food allergies you indicate.
Will the food parcel cater for my whole family?
Our foodbank will adapt your food parcel according to the number of adults and children indicated on your E voucher. They will also endeavour to provide foods that are age appropriate and in suitable quantities for your children. We can sometimes offer baby foods, but not infant formula. Healthy Start Vouchers can be applied for to help with the cost of infant formula, dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)
I have a baby, can you help with supplies of nappies and baby food?
Our foodbank usually carries a small stock of nappies and baby foods, which we can add to your parcel. Please let the foodbank know when you arrive if you need additional items for your baby.
Can you provide infant formula?
In accordance with UNICEF guidelines we are unable to provide infant formula. Please apply for Healthy Start Vouchers Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start) and contact your Midwife, Health Visitor, or the Early Help Hub if you are in need.
Can you deliver?
As a volunteer led organisation we unfortunately do not have the capacity to offer a delivery service. However, we are more than happy for a client to make arrangements for a support worker, friend, or family member to collect on their behalf. They will need to ensure that the person collecting has access to the E voucher code supplied by the referral agency.
Can you help me out of hours?
Sadly, no. Our main foodbank is open 4-6pm on Monday, 1-3pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for people to visit and exchange their E voucher for a 3 day emergency food parcel. As we are run almost entirely by volunteers, the foodbank is not staffed beyond these hours. We also have satellite centres in Roche which is open 12-2pm on a Friday and St Stephen in Brannel which is open 11am-1pm on a Wednesday.