Seven things you should know about food banks on National Food Bank Day

Over three million people were forced to turn to food banks to put meals on the table in 2023.

Despite inflation settling around the Bank of England’s 2% target, the number of people using food banks is growing year on year, as is the price of household essentials.

We pointed more than 21,000 people in the direction of food banks in the first half of 2024, up by over 50% (10,622) during the same period the year before.

Despite food banks being desperately needed there remains a stigma around food poverty, with many having an outdated opinion that only homeless people can access them for support.

Today (6 September) is National Food Bank Day – a date set aside to highlight food poverty and act as a reminder that there is help available and no one should go hungry.

Here are seven things you need to know about getting help from a food bank.

1. There is a referral process

You can’t just turn up to a food bank and expect help. While your local food bank will be a welcoming, non-judgmental place, you’ll usually only be able to get a food parcel if you have a voucher from an authorised referrer. These include GPs, health visitors, social services, your child’s school, children’s centres, a housing support officer, a local charity or the police. You can claim vouchers for yourself and whoever else you live with.

Some food banks, usually those run by churches, may help without a referral.

2. You’ll get three days’ worth of food

The parcel you receive will have enough food in it to last you three days. It will usually contain general groceries like cereal, long-life milk, tinned meats and veg, tea, coffee and biscuits, as well as rice, pasta and noodles.

3. Food banks provide more than just food

Food banks don’t just provide food. Many also give out essential toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap and toilet rolls, as well as sanitary products and pet food. They also stock nappies and baby food to help struggling parents. And some even provide tin openers as lots of people don’t have one at home, especially women who have fled domestic violence and are starting from scratch.

4. You can visit a food bank more than once

On average, people tend to visit food banks twice. You’ll need a separate referral for each visit. Some food banks have a limit on the number of times you can visit – it’s usually around four.

Food banks are a short-term solution. If you find yourself needing to use a food bank more frequently, it’s probably best to get free debt advice. Organisations like ours can help with a whole range of things, including checking you’re getting all the benefits available, creating a realistic budget and advising you on suitable debt solutions.

5. Food banks don’t just provide food, they often provide financial advice or signpost to specialist support

In recent years, food banks have seen a real mix of people; some in full-time employment whose salaries haven’t increased in line with cost-of-living rises, and others receiving benefits. Food banks are perfectly positioned to provide emergency financial advice, welfare support or help with immigration issues to the wide range of people they see. They also work collaboratively with other organisations to ensure those that need it get free debt and benefits support.

6. Food banks can help improve mental health

Mental health and money problems are entwined. One in two adults with debt has a mental health problem. Therefore, food banks see lots of people with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. They work closely with NHS mental health services and other specialist charities to help visitors get the counselling and support they need.

7. There is no shame in using a food bank

People from all walks of life experience hardship and it’s nothing to be ashamed about. You are not alone. It might seem daunting at first, but you’ll get a warm welcome when you enter a food bank. They’re safe environments filled with people who are prepared to listen and want to help. Our guide goes into more detail about finding your local food bank.