About
How food banks work
Food banks provide emergency food and practical support to people who have been left without enough money to live on.
People also get emotional support, and a reminder that they are not alone and someone understands. The volunteers at food banks offer a friendly face and basic kindness. For many people, it’s the first time someone has sat down and listened to them – especially when they have been worn down by the way our social security system currently works.
Providing emergency food
Food is donated
Individuals, schools, churches, and businesses donate non-perishable, in-date food to a food bank. Large collections often take place as part of seasonal celebrations such as harvest and Christmas, and food is also collected at supermarkets.
Food is sorted and stored
Volunteers sort food to check that it’s in date and store it ready to be given to people who are referred to food banks. More than 40,000 people give up their time to volunteer at food banks across the UK.
Community organisations identify people in need of support
Food banks partner with a wide range of community organisations such as doctors, teachers, health visitors and social workers to people facing hardship and give them a food bank voucher to access emergency food.
People referred receive food
People bring their voucher to a food bank centre where it can be redeemed for three days’ emergency food. Volunteers welcome people and connect them with further support, to make it less likely they’ll need a food bank again.
What is a food voucher?
A food voucher is required to get help from a food bank. Community organisations such as housing associations, GPs and advice charities can provide a referral for a food voucher, which is then exchanged at a food bank for a food parcel.
Find out how and where to get a food voucher here.
More than food
As a Trussell food bank we offer holistic support and advice to people, often at their toughest moment, in two ways: through funding advisers at our food bank and through Trussell’s free Help through Hardship telephone helpline with Citizens Advice.
This wraparound approach connects people with wider support and puts more money into their pockets, making it far less likely someone will need a food bank in the future.
How Trussell supports food banks
Being part of the Trussell community provides food banks with practical support, including training; support from a dedicated regional manager; grants and funding opportunities; and a bespoke data collection system.