Image of a man visiting a foodbank for advice
Volunteer gives advice to man who visits the foodbank

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 →

Citizens-Advice-logo

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.

Advice NI logo

If you live in Scotland

Please contact your local authority for more information about a Scottish Welfare Fund crisis grant.

Learn more

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.  

Learn more

This Grants Search tool provided and managed by Turn2us can help you check grants for which you might be able to apply.

Learn more

Use this Benefits Calculator provided and managed by Turn2us to help you check for benefits you may be entitled to.

Learn more