About
How foodbanks work
Providing emergency food to people in crisis.
Every day people in the UK struggle for different reasons. This could range from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income or a change of circumstances. One of our food parcels makes a big difference providing them with enough food for 3 days.
Foodbanks across the UK are helping prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems.
How we operate
Food is donated
Donations by Schools, churches, businesses and members of the public all of which donate non-perishable, in-date food to a foodbank or at one of our drop off points. Large collections often take place as part of Harvest Festival celebrations.
Food is sorted and stored
Our team of Volunteers and Staff then 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 spare their time to volunteer at foodbanks across the UK.
Professionals identify people in need
Foodbanks partner with a wide range of professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers and police to identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher.
Clients receive food
Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a foodbank centre where it can be redeemed for three days’ 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.