About Us

How foodbanks work

Providing emergency food to people in crisis.

Every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. A simple box of food makes a big difference, with foodbanks helping prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems.

1. Food is donated

Schools, churches, businesses and individuals donate non-perishable, in-date food to a food bank. Large collections often take place as part of Harvest Festival celebrations and food is also collected at supermarkets.
➡️ Find ways you can donate food

2. Food is sorted and stored

Volunteers sort food to check that it’s in date and pack it into boxes ready to be given to people in need. Over 40,000 people give up their time to volunteer at foodbanks.
➡️ Volunteer at our Foodbank

3. Professionals identify people in need

Foodbanks partner with a wide range of care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers and police to identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher.
➡️ How to get a Foodbank Voucher

4. Clients receive food

Foodbank clients bring their vouchers to a foodbank centre where they can be redeemed for three days of emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a warm drink or free hot meal and are able to signpost people to agencies able to solve the longer-term problem.
➡️ Visit a Foodbank Centre

 

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