Need Extra Support? Food Banks Are Here—Even If You’re Not on Benefits

It is important to ask for help when struggling with getting enough food. Food banks are here to make sure you and your family have enough food to eat and provide support during hard times.

This guide will provide information on food banks, including who can benefit from their services, how to access them and what to expect at a food bank.

What are Food Banks?

A food bank is an organisation that provides free food to people in need. Food banks collect donations to give to people facing food insecurity to ensure everyone has enough to eat, especially during difficult times.

Believe it or not, there are more food banks in the U.K. than McDonald’s! There are over 2,000 food banks in the U.K. ( House of Commons Library) working to protect individuals, families, and children from hunger.

Who Can Use Food Banks?

Food banks are available to anyone in need of food. This may include people who have lost their job, have unexpected bills, face a lower income, or are struggling with high prices for food and the rising cost of living.

Most, but not all, food banks require a referral.  Contact your local foodbank to find out if you need a referral; if so,  referrals can be received from the following:

• Citizens Advice
• Your GP
• Housing Association
• Social Worker
• Local Council

You may also be asked to provide a photo ID or document showing your address and proof of income, such as a benefits letter or the number of people in your household. Having these items ready can make the process faster.

There are many food banks and charities that do not require a referral or any documentation and are open to everyone.

• Soup Kitchens such as FoodCycle
• Community fridges such as Hubbub Community Fridge Network
• Check if your local church run food banks where no referral is needed.

How to Access Food Banks

If visiting a food bank where a referral is necessary, the voucher received referral will show where your food bank is, and when you can access it.

To find a local food bank, you can check online for locations near you and with local charities, community leaders and churches. Organisations listed below can also be used to find nearby options:-

• Trussell Trust
• FoodCycle
• Feeding Britain
• Salvation Army

What to Expect

When arriving, you may need to show the referral voucher. Staff or volunteers will guide you through, often letting you choose from available food items. Food banks provide enough food for a few days or a week, depending on availability.

Food banks typically offer non-perishable foods, such as canned goods and pasta. Still, they can also provide a range of fresh produce, dairy, and meat. Some food banks also offer prepared meals or special items for different diets and basic nutritional needs.

Food banks strive to treat everyone with kindness and respect, understanding that asking for help can be challenging. Staff and volunteers are trained to make the experience private and confidential.

More than just food, many food banks also offer additional support for making sure you have consistent access to food in the future.

Other things to consider…

Did you know you might be missing out on a range of benefits and support programs designed to help people in need?

The Afforda Benefits Checker is a helpful tool that lets you see which benefits and grants you might qualify for. Just enter your details to receive your personalised report.

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