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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 that work with people at risk of going hungry. Children’s centres, health visitors, churches, schools, housing associations, social workers and local charities are just some of those who can refer people to our foodbank by issuing them with an electronic foodbank 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 an e-referrer.

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 that if you have used the foodbank before you must have an electronic foodbank voucher to receive help from the foodbank. If you have never used us before, get in touch with us directly or come along to the foodbank when we are open (avoiding the busy first 30 minutes).

Do I need to bring anything with me when I visit the foodbank?

Please bring strong carrier bags or a shopping trolley to take your items home in, as they can be bulky and heavy. We’ll make sure you get a good amount of food to help you through your current crisis.

What’s in a typical food parcel?

A typical food parcel contains a minimum of three days of nutritionally balanced 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 vegetables, instant mash, UHT milk, tea, coffee, sugar, tinned dessert and biscuits. We always have bread, eggs and fresh fruit and vegetables on offer too.

Can the parcel be adapted to special dietary requirements?

Our foodbank can usually adapt your food parcel to suit your dietary needs. Just us them know when you arrive with your voucher. We can provide specific parcels for a range of needs including people with diabetes, gluten intolerance and vegetarians. 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 voucher. We will also endeavour to provide foods that are age appropriate and in suitable quantities for your children. We can often offer baby foods and nappies.

Is it just food that you provide?

We will normally be able to supply you with toiletries, pet food, nappies, toilet rolls and some household cleaning items, in addition to a good range of food.

What else can you help me with?

We have an in-house advice service.  You can ask for an appointment for help with all sorts of difficulties, such as energy costs, debts, benefits assessment, housing issues etc

Also at times, we have shopping vouchers, meal vouchers, pre-loaded SIM cards and other useful items that we can offer to you. You’ll always be sure of a warm welcome, a listening ear and a cup of tea.

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 us know when you arrive if you need additional items for your baby. We will also signpost you to local provision of further support where possible.

What if I can’t get to the foodbank centre?

Our foodbank may be able to deliver your food parcel to your home, especially if you have mobility needs or are unwell. Please discuss this with the agency that refers you and get in touch with the foodbank directly to discuss this. We can’t guarantee delivery but we will try our best if you are not able to leave your house. We normally deliver on a Wednesday or Friday morning.

 

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