Food banks provide a minimum of three days’ emergency food to people in crisis, alongside additional support.
Food banks work with frontline professionals to identify people who need support and give them a food bank voucher. These professionals include local agencies like children’s centres, housing associations, advice charities, and mental health teams, who are best placed to assess need. They will be able to refer you to a food bank and give you a food bank voucher if they think you need emergency food.
Once someone has been referred, they can exchange their voucher at their nearest food bank for an emergency food parcel containing a minimum of three days’ nutritionally balanced food.
Food banks are designed to provide short-term, emergency support with food during a crisis. They aim to relieve that immediate pressure by providing food, but also offer additional support so that people don’t need to use the food bank again in the future.
Trussel Trust's website has information on how to obtain a food voucher and how you can find your nearest foodbank should you ever need it.
Find your local Trussell Trust food bank, their contact details and opening times by visiting their website.
If you're struggling to afford the essentials or need advice and support you can call one of their free helplines.