Please tell me about foodbanks

[NAME3CHANGE]

Hi this is really embarrassing please be kind.

Please could you tell me how to access a food bank ?

I have never had to use one before, and I am just going round in circles on line.

I dont understand how to get a referal ? It seems that you need one ? It suggests that school can do it , but this would be an absolutely last resort as i am a part time ta in my school and i couldn't imagine the shame of having to ask my boss.

We were on a tight budget anyway but coasting though , and a £200 cock up has just left me with nothing.

I have struggled though the last week but 19 days till next pay day and I know i cant do it.

I am on a top up meter as well and i really am worried.

On line suggets a doctor can refer you - would i just ring up and try and get an appointment at the doctors on Monday in the hope they will give me a voucher ? It sounds such a strange set up and waste of an appointment !
I dont have a social worker to ask

If anyone has used one before and could talk me through the process i would be very grateful.

Thank you.

Ps i have been a mums net user for a long while but have changed my name just incase so embarrassing

Hi there, handhold for you in what sounds like a difficult time.

I think different food banks have different rules. Some don’t need referrals at all.

Can you give some idea of your location as that might help with the advice you get.

I don't know about the food banks that you need a referral to.

I do know we have a local community food bank in my area which is open to anyone. They ask absolutely no questions, anyone can access it.

Make some enquiries with local churches or community centres as that's where you'll find that type of food bank.

The health visitor can help

Some churches can refer you. Do you have a local one you could pop into on Sunday morning before/after their service?

If its a Trussell trust foodbank you get an emergency e voucher if you turn up and explain.
You can only ever have 1 emergency voucher but the session supervisor should be able to give you a list of their referral agencies...usually the Dr's, local churches etc

Your local church/synagogue/mosque, CAB or a free debt advice agency may be able to refer you.

Look also at ‘community fridges’. Ours is open to everyone without referral.

Do you have Olio app?
Free food you just have to collect

Try to contact your local food bank and say you need an urgent referral, they'll advise how it works near you. They might tell you to contact your local council.

Please know no one there will judge you, and we don't either. Hope you sort it out x

www.goodto.com/family/money-news/food-banks-near-me-115479

This suggests contacting Citizens Advice

Thank you i didn't expect such quick replies.

Im going to see if I can find anything out about a community kitchen .

My nearest large town is skipton.

Skipton Food Bank

Skipton Food Bank is organised by Skipton Baptist Church.

Skipton Baptist Church is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registered in England & Wales, No 1181773

Some of them need a referral from a professional service so GP, Health visitors, probation etc etc. Others you can self-refer too.

No need to feel embarrassed, they are there for a reason and anyone can fall upon hard times.

Yes CAB, health visitors, housing officers, law centres, your local foodbank will tell you how. Sorry to hear you're struggling, you are far from alone.

If you contact your local foodbank they will be able to tell you - I know our local one you can go along and talk to them there as well as being referred by HV, churches, schools etc and they would much rather people asked than go without. They can also direct you to other local resources like FareShare

[email protected]

Here is the link

www.skiptonfoodbank.org/

Skipton foodbank phone number
07856 080194

Thank you everyone, i have a number for when they open next week.

I will ring and explain my situation.

It sounds like they may well be able to help without a referral/ will tell me how to get one.

I do keep a sneeky eye on olio. Its a great app thank you

Olio app is a good idea - people post food all the time. I understand how you feel op but really there’s no shame in this. More and more people heading into poverty at the moment. I hope things improve for you

We also have something called The Food Pantry, its similar to a food bank but you pay around £5 and get to pick a large number of items, you are a customer rather than asking for referral. Ours had large frozen turkeys and large washing powders and you are aloud o e of each in you basket plus 10 other items plus fruit and veg.

www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk/about-us/

See whether there is a pantry near you too

Definitely have a look and see if there is a community fridge in your area. One opened near me last year and it's great- it's open to everyone as it's not just about helping people who might be struggling but also about saving food from the landfill.
Also if you have Facebook have a look at 'free my meal'.

Look on your local council website for advice.
My friend had to she emailed it's to do with some fund they receive from the government. They can send food vouchers etc.
They send her 75. She just emailed to say the reson cash was tight. Then they send it via an email to print. I can't remember the name of the fund but this was only a few days ago.