Get Help
How to get help
Need help from one of our food banks? Please follow these three steps
1 Get a food bank voucher
A food bank voucher can be issued to you by several local agencies (such as Citizens Advice, housing associations, social services, children’s centres, health visitors and some charities).
You’ll need to contact a local agency first. They’ll discuss your situation and supply you with a food bank voucher where appropriate. They’ll also aim to get you back on track and address some of the issues behind your food crisis.
Need help finding an agency? Download our list of agencies here > or feel free to contact us >
2. Bring your voucher to your nearest food bank centre
You can find details of our local food banks and their opening times here >
Each food bank provides a safe, non-judgemental environment. Our trained volunteers will chat with you about your situation. We’ll discuss your dietary needs and exchange your food bank voucher for a parcel containing three days’ nutritionally balanced food and often other essential items.
3. Get ongoing support
To help get you back on track and address the issues behind your situation, it’s important that you discuss it with your referral agency.
We also recommend you try the following.
Citizens Advice is a good place to start >
Call the National Helpline on 0808 208 2138 for free or the Local Helpline 0344 848 7700 (Mon to Fri, 9am-5pm) to talk confidentially with a trained adviser. If you need a translator, this can be provided via Language Line, simply ask the adviser. If you can’t hear or speak on the phone you can use Relay UK.
Check out our signposting leaflets >
From benefits and debt advice to housing and health concerns, you’ll find organisations you can turn to.
More food options >
Our food banks can only provide short-term, emergency support. Going forward, why not visit your local food pantry or community supermarket. Here you can shop at significantly reduced prices. Use the links below to find out what’s in your area.
Healthy Start (if you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4) >
You can also download our ‘Longer-term food options’ signposting leaflet >
Got more questions?
Try our FAQ’s page > Or feel free to contact us >