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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 who meet people at risk of going hungry. Citizens Advice, children’s centres and health visitors are just some of those who can make refer people to our foodbank by issuing them with a 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 a registered voucher holder.

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 need an on-line foodbank voucher from a referral agency to receive help from the foodbank. If you don’t have a voucher please go to the ‘How to get help’ page to find out.

What’s in a typical food parcel?

A typical food parcel contains nutritionally balanced, non-perishable, tinned and dried foods that have been donated by the local community. A typical food parcel should last at least a week (though occasionally three day ones are requested) and includes: breakfast cereal, soup, pasta, rice, pasta sauce, baked beans, tinned meat, tinned vegetables, instant mash, UHT milk, tea, coffee, tinned dessert and biscuits. We also provide baby items, toiletries, washing up liquid, washing powder/liquid, and food for pets.

Can the parcel be adapted to special dietary requirements?

Our foodbank can usually adapt your food parcel to suit your dietary needs. Just let the volunteer who works with you 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.  We can also adapt what we provide for those who have no cooking facilities.  Please be aware though that if we haven’t been donated something, we can’t give it!

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. They will also endeavour to provide foods and other items that are age-appropriate and in suitable quantities for your children. We can sometimes offer baby foods, but not SMA milk.  We cannot offer fresh or refrigerated items as we do not have the facilities to store them, though you may receive some that have been donated on the day.

I have a baby, can you help with supplies of nappies and baby food?

Our foodbank usually carries a small stock of nappies, baby toiletries and baby foods, which we can add to your parcel; the foodbank volunteer who works with you will ask if you need additional items for your baby.

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

Please do not come if you are ill or self-isolating.  We will phone you and give you a time that your parcel will be ready to be collected.  If you cannot come in person, someone can come on your behalf, such as your referral agency worker, a friend or relative, but please tell us when we phone to discuss your requirements. 

We are happy for your referral agency worker to come to the foodbank on your behalf, or a friend or relative so long as they have your voucher number.  In such a case, it is helpful if they know any dietary requirements, likes/dislikes, and toiletry and pet needs.  We are unable to deliver your food to you except in exceptional circumstances.

 

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