Foodbanks

Contents

Overview

In the UK, more than 14 million people are living in poverty, this includes 4.5 million children.


The roll out of Universal Credit has in particular, impacted on the lives of low income families in the UK. Food banks in 2018 were seeing on average a 30% increase, for the needs of their essential services, in the areas where Universal Credit had been rolled out fully. 

The Trussell Trust

The Trussell Trust is a registered charity and their aim is to support a nationwide network of food banks and together they provide emergency food and support to people locked in poverty, and campaign for change to end the need for food banks within the UK.


The trust support over 1,200 food bank centres across the UK. They provide emergency food and support to people locked in poverty, while also campaigning for change to end the need for food banks in the future.

Foodbank referral system

The Trussell Trust network uses a referral portal for advice agencies and other professionals to issue vouchers.


When you approach a referral agency they will discuss your problems and if the 


Food parcels 


A typical food parcel includes: cereal, soup, pasta, rice, tinned tomatoes/ pasta sauce, lentils, beans and pulses, tinned meat, tinned vegetables, tea/coffee, tinned fruit, biscuits, UHT milk, and fruit juice. The majority of  food banks will also provide essential non-food items such as toiletries, hygiene products, sanitary protection and nappies. Some food banks also have the facilities to provide fresh produce.


Dietary needs 


If you or your family have specific dietary requirements or allergies a volunteer at your local food bank, will run through the food parcel packing list with you to check any special dietary needs you may have.

Food donations

Food donations


There are over 40,000 volunteers across the UK who will sort through donated goods and help prepare the emergency food parcels donated by the public. Collection points for donated goods can usually be located at supermarkets, schools, churches and local businesses.


Food banks rely heavily on the generous support of local communities and this goes a long way in helping to stop UK hunger. You should check with your local food bank first, if you are organising a collection point, and you will be advised of the items in particular they are currently in need of. 

Finding your nearest Foodbank

Finding your nearest Foodbank


The Trussell Trust website has a function enabling people to search for their nearest foodbank. Visit: www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/