Foodbank vouchers

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 Citizens Advice, children’s centres and health visitors. There are also local and national helplines that you can call. You can find them on the How to Get Help page in various languages. There is a free helpline through Citizens Advice, which you can call Monday to Friday 9am-5pm on 0808 208 2138.

When you visit/call 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. Our vouchers are all now issued electronically. If you receive a voucher over the phone you should then be given an E reference number. If you are issued a voucher in person the agency may chose to print a copy or just give you the E reference number.

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. All you need to do is turn up at your nearest foodbank centre and give either your name or you E reference number and the volunteers will find your voucher.

Each voucher is the equivalent of one food parcel. You will need a new voucher if you need another food parcel.

If you are a referral agency and would like to become a registered voucher holder for our foodbank, please contact us to find out more.

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