FAQs

When are you open?

The centre is open by appointment only from 1pm to 3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Do I need a voucher?

Yes you must have a foodbank voucher to access the foodbank. If you don’t have a voucher please contact us to find out how to get one.

Where is my nearest foodbank centre?

Please go to the locations page to find the address and opening times of our foodbank centre.

I have never been to a foodbank before what should I expect?

Our staff and volunteers are all very friendly. When you come in you will be greeted by someone at the front desk, and we will log you in (to comply with our fire regulations). After that you will meet one of our volunteers who will stay with you throughout your visit. They will offer you a drink and biscuits, and ask you some questions about what you need in your parcel.  You can relax and chat while other volunteers make up your parcel in the stock room; we have colouring sheets and pencils, or Duplo, to keep younger visitors occupied while you chat with a volunteer.

Our volunteers and staff are great listeners, and if you want to talk about your situation they may be able to give you information about other ways you can access relevant support. This is called signposting.

Find out more in our visiting a foodbank section.

What’s in a typical food parcel?

A typical food parcel contains a minimum of three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable, tinned and dried foods that have been donated by the local community. A typical food parcel might include: breakfast cereal, soup, pasta, rice, pasta sauce, baked beans, tinned meat, tinned vegetables, instant mash, UHT milk, tea, coffee, sugar, tinned dessert and biscuits. Some foodbanks also provide fresh produce if they are able to.

Can the parcel be adapted to special dietary requirements?

Our foodbank can usually adapt your food parcel to suit your dietary needs, just let a staff member know. We try to provide specific parcels for a range of needs including diabetes, gluten intolerance, vegetarian, halal and kosher. We will also endeavour to adapt your parcel to accommodate any food allergies you indicate.

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 that are age appropriate and in suitable quantities for your children. We can sometimes offer baby foods, but not formula milk.

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

Our foodbank usually carries a small stock of nappies and baby foods, which we can add to your parcel. Please let the foodbank know when you arrive if you need additional items for your baby. We will also signpost you to local provision of further support where possible.

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

Although foodbank vouchers are only issued in one person’s name and are not transferable, in special circumstances it may be possible for a carer or other person to come on your behalf.  In exceptional circumstance our foodbank may be able to deliver your food parcel to your home. Please discuss this with the agency that refers you and get in touch with the foodbank directly to discuss this.

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, churches and schools 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.

How can I give you feedback?

We always welcome feedback on our service, and you can email us at [email protected] with ‘Feedback’ in the subject line. Alternatively if you wish to make a complaint please email us at the same address with ‘Complaint’ in the subject line. You can find our complaints policy here.

Back to Get Help