Get Help
No one should go hungry – we’re here to help
Food banks in our network welcome and support everyone who is referred to them, always acting with respect and without judgment. Volunteers will give a minimum of three days’ emergency food and offer support to resolve some of the difficulties you might be facing.
How to get a food voucher
In order to get help from a food bank you will need to be referred with a voucher, which can be issued by a number of local community organisations (for instance schools, GPs and advice agencies). Your local food bank can advise which agencies can help. Find your local food bank here.
If you’re worried about money and struggling to afford essentials, the free helplines below offer personalised support:
If you live in England or Wales
please call Help through Hardship for free to talk confidentially to a trained Citizens Advice adviser on:
0808 208 2138
(Open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. Closed on public holidays.)
They can help address your crisis and provide support to maximise your income, help you navigate the benefits system, and identify any additional grants you could be entitled to. If needed, they’ll issue you with a voucher so you can get an emergency food parcel from your local food bank.
Translators and Relay UK
Please ask the adviser if you need a translator, this will be provided via Language Line. If you can’t hear or speak on the phone you can use Relay UK. Find out how to use Relay UK →
If you live in Northern Ireland
please call for free to talk confidentially to a trained Advice NI adviser on:
0800 915 4604
(Open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. Closed on public holidays.)
They can help address your crisis and provide support to maximise your income, help you navigate the benefits system, and identify any additional grants you could be entitled to. The advisers can also provide specialist debt and budgeting advice to people calling the line. For more information, click here. If needed, they’ll issue you with a voucher so you can get an emergency food parcel from your local food bank.
If you live in Scotland
Please contact your local authority for more information about a Scottish Welfare Fund crisis grant.
Emergency Food
Emergency food and support for people in crisis
Visiting a food bank
We know that visiting a food bank can seem daunting, but all the food banks in our network will offer you a warm welcome in a safe environment. Trained volunteers will provide a listening ear and support to find further help while your food parcel is prepared.
What’s in a food parcel?
A parcel consists of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable tinned and dried foods, which provide at least three days of healthy, balanced meals for individuals and families.
Support beyond your emergency food parcel
Many food banks in our network offer additional support. This might be guidance on where to find help with benefits, housing and debt, or a referral to a specialist advisor (sometimes within food banks themselves). If your food bank does not offer additional services, please call the free helpline above.