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Original poster

Please tell me about foodbanks

56 replies

NAME3CHANGE · 07/01/2022 21:03

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.

OP posts:
TheVolturi · 07/01/2022 21:26

Also op, an app called Too Good To Go is amazing, local shops sell what they call a magic bag, at the end of the day of food that they have not been able to sell that day, usually around £3 and lots of different bits.

Original poster
NAME3CHANGE · 07/01/2022 21:36

Thank you everyone i have emailed a community kitchen thats only 4 miles away that i didn't know existed.

Im hoping i am able to access it as it seemes linked to another charity but time will tell.

It wouldn't feel half as embarrassing using a community kitchen.

I have been to a share house before that was good , but its a good 20 miles away , so not great for this situation atm.

OP posts:
Whereohwhereohwhere · 07/01/2022 21:37

Where I live you can contact places like CAB

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health
RAOK · 07/01/2022 21:43

I volunteer in a foodbank and it’s mostly people like you who receive food parcels ie people in work who just can’t make ends meet. Please do try and go and get food for yourself and your children.

Teaforme23 · 07/01/2022 21:45

Check out fuel bank if you don't have enough money for electric, it's a £49 voucher and they work with food banks.
Have a Google as I'm not sure how they work.
I read it on social media last week.

TheLovelinessOfDemons · 07/01/2022 21:49

Also Prêt à Manger give their sandwiches and cakes away free after 5pm, or they used to.

TheHoptimist · 07/01/2022 21:54

@TheLovelinessOfDemons

Also Prêt à Manger give their sandwiches and cakes away free after 5pm, or they used to.
Take it you have never been to Skipton!
saraclara · 07/01/2022 21:57

I'm a referrer for the organisation I work (voluntarily) for. I became one accidentally when I was desperately trying to find help for someone I was supporting and was phoning all the food banks around the area where she'd been put in emergency accommodation.

I did find that most were prepared to find one emergency package for her before my referral credentials were organised. But the CAB is definitely helpful in that regard, if you don't feel able to ask the school or doctor.

I wish I could help you with a referral myself, but unfortunately our organisation only helps people in a certain situation, and without going into details, it would be fairly clear that you weren't one of our clients.

Good luck

UserError012345 · 07/01/2022 22:03

Our council have an emergency housing support grant (it's not for housing) and people can access it via the website. You need to fill out some questions and then you get sent £15 per person food vouchers.

I don't know if it's available across all councils though.

mrsfollowill · 07/01/2022 22:03

Try your local Council if you don't get anywhere- I work for my local council and we can give vouchers for Trussell Trust and other local sources. Also look on the Council Website to see if they have a 'Local Assistance Scheme' or similar-we issue gas/electric top ups and vouchers for supermarkets for food including warm clothing. We also have an extra fund for heating costs at the mo. Hope you get sorted Flowers

Idontknowlondon · 07/01/2022 22:05

You don't need a social worker, but they are issued by social workers - just call up and ask.

With a GP, ask the receptionist, you don't need to take up an appointment.

Schools, lots of churches, children's and sometimes CAB will be able to refer you.

littleblackno · 07/01/2022 22:06

You don't need to have a social worker you can contact your local adult social care and ask for a referral. If they won't do it they should be able to signpost you to agencies who can help. You may be able to refer online to them and get a response that way.
Good luck, there is no judgement here and lots of good advice. Flowers

Beetlebum1981 · 07/01/2022 22:06

Do you have children? My child's school have food bank vouchers that you can ask for (we're West Yorkshire so not too far from you).

equuscaballus · 07/01/2022 22:09

Hi Op,
Check facebook or the web for your local branch of fareshare, they collect surplus food and goods from supermarkets and re-distribute for a tiny fee.
They take fresh foods etc

faithfulbird20 · 07/01/2022 22:09

Sorry for the difficult time. I'm not sure but I recommend using the OLIO app. People list food and you collect. Sometimes they have large boxes of Tesco stuff. If you have a bit of cash for basics like bread eggs etc Aldi's basic range is good.

MaybeHeIsMyCat · 07/01/2022 22:10

Download Olio if you can on your phone and have a look at the food there too

Lovereallywins · 07/01/2022 22:13

Sorry you are going through a tough time. This could be any of us. Interesting the perception of food banks and the different types of community kitchens etc. if you are having problems with paying for fuel I have also read about this. Hope it is a help and all the best to you. You are certainly not alone
www.billhelp.uk/fuel-banks-vouchers-help-paying-gas-energy-bills/

BettyfromBristol · 07/01/2022 22:15

Not near Skipton but our local community fridge often puts posts on fb begging people to go as they have loads of food to give away.

Hope you get sorted OP.

ColdTattyWaitingForSummer · 07/01/2022 22:19

Citizens advice do referrals. As should the welfare rights team at your local counsel. Some churches and community centres refer as well. Hope you are able to get something sorted on Monday! Food bank volunteers will likely be able to signpost you to other resources in your area as well.

TooMuchSugar22 · 07/01/2022 22:22

@UserError012345 that's what I was on about they are a family of 5. They got send 75. Simple questions. Like where they shop. The voucher was for there.

mydaughterisademon · 07/01/2022 22:22

Check if your council is still running a hardship fund.

Also, we've all been there! Nothing to be embarrassed about

gamerchick · 07/01/2022 22:26

If you ring your energy supplier, they'll top up your meter. It's some sort of hardship thing.

Hereslookinatyoukid · 07/01/2022 22:29

Please don’t be embarrassed using a foodbank, millions of people rely on them. And many/most of them are in work like you.

Try your GP, the receptionist may be able to do the referral. Or go along to your local children’s centre. Or call them up directly and ask who can help you. You are not going to annoy anyone.

If it’s skipton then there are contact details and a list of people who can help with referrals here. Just call and leave a number if you need their advice. www.skiptonfoodbank.org/i-need-help

emmacat · 07/01/2022 22:30

@gamerchick

If you ring your energy supplier, they'll top up your meter. It's some sort of hardship thing.
I second this... You'd be entitled to an emergency £50 credit which you can claim twice in 12 months...
Savingpeoplehuntingthings · 07/01/2022 22:33

If you're anywhere near Harrogate there is a community grocery shop. You can get 15 items for £3. I use the one in Bolton, its great, don't be embarrassed x