Don’t go hungry this Winter – Help from a Foodbank
Food banks are community organisations that can help if you can’t afford the food you need.
You’ll usually need to get a referral to a food bank before you can use it. This includes all food banks run by the Trussell Trust.
How to get a referral
Each food bank works with different frontline professionals, like doctors, health visitors, social workers, and Citizens Advice. These professionals will be able to refer you to a food bank and give you a food bank voucher if they think you need emergency food.
You can get a referral for yourself and any family members you live with – including your partner. You might be able to use some food banks without a referral – for example, if it’s run by a church. Contact your local food bank to see if you need a referral.
When an organisation refers you to a food bank, they’ll give you a voucher and tell you where the food bank is. Check if the voucher is only valid on a specific day – you can ask the person who refers you. If the food bank is run by the Trussell Trust you can check the address on the Trussell Trust website.
The food bank will give you a food parcel which may include tinned vegetables, UHT milk, pasta, rice and other essentials. Your parcel will usually contain enough food for 3 days. The food bank might also be able to give you essential toiletries, like toothpaste or deodorant.
When you visit the food bank, let them know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements – they should be able to help you.
The food bank might be able to deliver your food parcel if:
- You live in a rural area and can’t afford to travel
- You are sick or disabled and can’t travel
Contact the food bank to check if they can deliver.
If the food bank is run by a church or other religious group, they’ll still help you if you’re not religious or from a different religion.
Our Money Advisors at Johnnie Johnson Housing can issue you with a Foodbank Voucher, for further information or to get a voucher please contact money.advice@jjhousing.co.uk. Our Money Advice team can provide advice and assistance over the telephone or in person. Find out more here.