How our food bank works

What is a food bank?

Food banks provide emergency food and practical support to people who have been left without enough money to live on.  

Visitors are welcomed at our Foodbank Centres with a cuppa and a chat about their food choices and dietary needs before their bespoke food parcel is packed for them.  While visiting, our volunteers offer a friendly face and basic kindness, offering visitors emotional support, and a reminder that they are not alone and someone understands. 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.

We operate 7 Foodbank Centres across Basingstoke and Tadley, each open once a week.

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 with a food bank voucher.  Once we receive this, clients can visit and give their name to our volunteers who will find their voucher and provide food. 

The referral process helps us ensure we are reaching the people who need us the most, and to offer relevant more than food support.

Find out how and where to get a food voucher

More than food

We offer holistic support and advice to people, often at their toughest moment, by funding advisers in our Foodbank Centres, and through other external advice services. 

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. 

Who runs food banks?

Our food bank is run by the local community, for the local community. From trustees through to volunteers, our team is made up of local people committed to providing support across the area.

Our food bank is an independent charity, with an independent board of trustees.