Food bank vouchers - what do you have fi say / do to get them?

[Guest]

As I don’t get any benefits and work will I be entitled. I had a huge debt issue as next few months have £0 and trying to work out what I can do as earn to much for help.

[Darren]

Good luck, makes me so angry anyone has to use a food bank. Damning inditement on one of the richest nations on earth!

[Jan]

See if you have a local food group to reduce landfill waste. I pay £5 and get about £30 of food. It’s usually at its best before date, or surplus or wonky.
Or a community larder- these are community shops that sell cheaper food.

[Jemma]

You shouldn’t be paying back debts over feeding yourselves. Talk to Stepchange who will sort this out for you.

No company will insist on payments that leave your kids hungry.

[Ewelina]

Have a look at olio app as well, people give away food daily there, it’s bot just personal stuff, they’re olio ambassadors and they come from the shops, they’re just responsible for distribution x

[Marie]

Don’t forget food waste schemes, local places that collect food before it goes out of date and give for free or for very low prices… you don’t need a Referal and you’re helping the environment by preventing excess food waste… we have 3 near us and they really are fantastic.

[Kayleigh]

Can try your council as well they should have a local welfare provision I know my council have one but is only open 9-12 Monday to Friday worth going in or calling up and asking them xx

[Wendy]

I don't know where you are but st Michael church thurmaston (monday),rothley Baptist church (monday) and syston evangelical Baptist church (tuesday) syston all run food banks with no voucher /referral needed.

[Karen]

Look for any independent food banks as you are trying to get one with the voucher. Example like churches that run food banks. You don't always have to have a voucher for those.

Look up a free app called olio as well for free food from volunteers that pick up food surplus from stores.

[Leanne]

It’s actually a different method in different areas. It’s not one universal way, oddly. In my town you need a referral from someone (I went through a community centre), who will request a parcel on your behalf.

Then it was delivered to my address the same day.

[Lindsay]

A dr or health care professional can refer you. I would also book an appointment with citizens advice so that they can discuss other matters with you.

Reaching out is the most important step you've taken x

[Rachel]

In the village I live in we have a food bank at our methodist church. It is through referral but just need to contact them. Our other church collects aswell but the bank is located in a different village.

There are a few families in our village that help families in crisis. Whether that be cooking meals, providing food shopping, clothes gifts or Xmas presents.

Do you have a Facebook group for where you live? I think since covid and the cost of living crisis communities are alot more helpful.