Get help
FAQs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions:
How does my organisation make a referral to the food bank?
Our food bank works with a range of local agencies who support people at risk of going hungry. Local Citizens Advice, the B&NES Welfare Support Team on 01225 477277, as well as GPs, Nurses, Health Visitors, Social Workers, and Church Ministers plus many more are just some of those who can make refer people to our food bank by issuing them with an eVoucher.
If you think that your organisation could help people by referring them to our food bank, please get in touch with us to discuss becoming a registered eVoucher issuer.
Where is my nearest food bank centre?
Please go to the locations page to find the address and opening times of each of our food bank centres. Please note you must have a food bank eVoucher to receive help from the food bank; an eVoucher can be used at any one of the Trussell Trust food banks. If you don’t have an eVoucher please contact us to find out how to receive one.
What’s in a typical food parcel?
A typical food parcel contains a minimum of three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable, tinned and dried foods that have been donated by the local community. A typical food parcel includes: breakfast cereal, soup, pasta, rice, pasta sauce, baked beans, tinned meat, tinned vegetables, instant mash, UHT milk, tea, coffee, sugar, tinned dessert and biscuits. Some food banks also provide fresh produce if they are able to.
Can the parcel be adapted to special dietary requirements?
Our food bank can usually adapt your food parcel to suit your dietary needs. Just let them know when you talk with one of our volunteers. We can provide specific parcels for a range of needs including people with diabetes, gluten intolerance, vegetarians and halal. We will also endeavour to adapt your parcel to accommodate any food allergies you indicate.
Will the food parcel cater for my whole family?
Our food bank will adapt your food parcel according to the number of adults and children indicated on your eVoucher. They will also endeavour to provide foods that are age appropriate and in suitable quantities for your children. We can sometimes offer baby foods, but not SMA milk.
I have a baby, can you help with supplies of nappies and baby food?
Our food bank usually carries a small stock of nappies, which we can add to your parcel. Please let our volunteers know when you talk with them about your food parcel that you need additional items for your baby. Unfortunately we cannot supply baby foods. We will also signpost you to local provision of further support where possible.
What if I can’t get to the food bank centre?
In exceptional circumstances, our food bank may be able to deliver your food parcel to your home, for example if you have mobility needs or are unwell. Please discuss this with the agency that refers you and get in touch with the food bank directly to discuss this.