Food Bank Vouchers

My own experience

As a volunteer Foodbank Volunteer/Team Leader for the last 4 years for my local food bank, part of the Trussell Trust Network. I hope I can be of help in providing helpful information regarding using foodbanks.

How to get a voucher

Foodbank vouchers are needed in order to collect a Foodbank parcel. There are many ways of getting a voucher.   They are issued in times of crisis such as unexpected bills, late payments etc.   There is a limit of 3 per crisis per year but exceptions are made.   In exceptional circumstances, a volunteer “may” be able to deliver but this is in their own time with their own transport and is only for people who truly cannot get to a foodbank. Not all foodbanks will be able to do this.  

How to find a foodbank

Here is the link to the website where you can find your nearest food bank. https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/ There is a phone number for each foodbank-an information line run by a volunteer. If you have any questions ring them and leave a message. They will return your call. You can get a voucher from any organisation with the authority to issue them.   These include:

• schools
• doctors
• midwives
• support workers
• Citizens Advice
• Salvation Army
• some church ministers
• some housing associations
• some town halls

Job Centres do not normally issue vouchers. If you are truly in need and one of these people refuse you try another. If none of them is helpful ask the foodbank directly.  

What do I get?

The parcels are designed to last 3 days but with careful use could last a week. The parcels are made up according to the size of your household. They are Single persons, parents and children, family and large family with 3 plus children.

• There is a full range of foods covering most food groups. Meat,fish,vegetables,cereals etc.
• Some food banks also have nappies, sanitary items and pet food.
• Most have toiletries.
• Some have household cleaning items.
• Some have pet food

The info above applies to Trussell Trust foodbanks-there are other independent ones as well which I cannot speak for as they are all different. Some mosques also have food banks and are not limited by religious beliefs-they will help anyone who needs help. If you need help please don’t feel bad about asking for it. They are there in times of crisis. They are not, however, a weekly/monthly top-up for benefits. Another organisation we recommend is CAP who work with local churches so they may know of other foodbanks. https://capuk.org/