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Foodbank vouchers
Our foodbank works using a voucher referral system. Find out more about how we work.
We know that anyone can find themselves at crisis point for a number of different reasons.
In order to provide the most appropriate help for the circumstances of your situation we work with local agencies. If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank voucher. The local agency can also provide long term support if needed to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis.
Our foodbank works with a number of different agencies, such as the Jobcentre, social work, children’s charities, health workers, housing associations, and care workers who support refugees and asylum seekers are just some of those who can refer people to our foodbank. To find out more about the agencies that hold our vouchers and how you can get help, please contact us.
When you visit a referral agency they will take some basic details from you to complete the voucher. This will help them to identify the cause of your crisis and offer practical guidance. It also means we are able to prepare suitable emergency food for the right number of people.
Once you have been issued with a voucher, you can exchange this for a minimum of three days of emergency food at your nearest foodbank centre.
Can I just turn up without a voucher?
If you are in urgent need of food but have not been able to get a voucher, you can call during foodbank opening hours. Just explain your situation and we will ask you to speak to our Foodbank Support Officer, who will ask you a few questions, in private and in confidence. She is able to issue emergency food parcels. Please note that we cannot supply repeat or regular food parcels in this way. Our Support Officer can however offer you follow-up interviews to help you get any help you need to address other issues that may have contributed to your not being able to afford food.
Can my agency or charity become a referring agency and issue vouchers?
If you are a front line agency that works with people in crisis and would like to become a registered voucher holder for our foodbank, please contact us to find out more.