How do I get food from the Foodbank?

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Our Foodbank works through a voucher referral system. We understand how easy it is for anyone to fall into a crisis and not be able to afford to put food on the table.

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If you find you need help from the Foodbank, then you will need to get a voucher from one of our referral agencies.

 

We are unable to give out food to clients who arrive at our outlets without a voucher.

 

How does my organisation make a referral to the foodbank?

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Our Foodbank works with a range of local agencies who meet people at risk of going hungry. Citizens Advice, Job Centres, Children’s Centres, Doctors and Health Visitors are just some of those who can make refer people to our Foodbank by issuing them with a Foodbank voucher. If you think that your organisation could help people by referring them to our Foodbank, please get in touch with us to discuss becoming a registered Referrer.

 

Where is my nearest foodbank centre?

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Please go to the Foodbank outlets page to find the address and opening times of each of our Foodbank outlets. Please note you must have a Foodbank voucher to receive help from the Foodbank.

 

What’s in a typical food parcel?

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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. We also have nappies, toiletries, dog and cat food and fresh fruit and vegetables often available too.

 

Can the parcel be adapted to special dietary requirements?

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The Foodbank can usually adapt your food parcel to suit your dietary needs. Just let them know when you arrive with your voucher. We can tailor our 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?

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The Foodbank will adapt your food parcel according to the number of adults and children indicated on your voucher. They will also endeavour to provide foods that are age appropriate and in suitable quantities for your children. We can sometimes offer baby foods depending on our stocks.

 

I have a baby, can you help with supplies of nappies and baby food?

Our Foodbank often has a supply of nappies, wipes and baby foods, which we can add to your parcel. Please let the Foodbank volunteers know when you arrive if you need additional items for your baby. We will also signpost you to the Baby Bank if you need further support.

 

What if I can’t get to the Foodbank?

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Bristol North West Foodbank is able to offer a limited home delivery service for those who are housebound through a disability or mental illness, those chronically ill and the elderly only.

 

Clients cannot self refer for Home Delivery, it needs to be done by a Referral Agency. If you are a client in this situation and need help from the Foodbank please contact the Foodbank office who will link you with a referral agency who can help.

 

If you feel you live too far from our Foodbank and can’t get to us to pick up food, then please contact us. We won’t be able to home deliver, but it is likely that there is a different Foodbank closer to where you live. 

 

Alternatively, please discuss this with the agency that’s referring you and they may be able to arrange to collect the food for you.  If you are unable to attend a Foodbank outlet you can also ask a relative or friend to collect on your behalf.

 

How do I get a Fuelbank voucher?

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Please see here for more details

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