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FAQs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions:
How does my organisation make a referral to the foodbank?
Our foodbank works with a range of local agencies who meet people at risk of going hungry. Citizens Advice, Council, other charities, churches, schools, children’s centres and health visitors/social prescribers are just some of those who can make refer people to our foodbank by issuing them with a foodbank voucher. If you think that your organisation could help people by referring them to our foodbank, please get in touch with us to discuss becoming a registered foodbank voucher referral agency.
Where is my nearest foodbank centre?
Please go to the locations page to find the address and opening times of each of our foodbank centres. Please note you must have a foodbank voucher to receive help from the foodbank. If you don’t have a voucher please one of the agencies below:
- Citizens Advice – call free on 0808 2082 138 or visit their website
- P3 Floating Support – call free on 0808 169 8099 or visit their website
- East Cambs District Council Community Support Network 01353 665555
- Fenland District Council Community Support Network 01354 654321
- There are also Social Prescribers in most Doctors Surgeries to assist with a range of social difficulties.
What’s in a typical food parcel?
A typical food parcel contains a minimum of three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable, tinned and dried foods that have been donated by the local community. A typical food parcel includes: breakfast cereal, soup, pasta, rice, pasta sauce, baked beans, tinned meat, tinned vegetables, UHT milk, tinned dessert and biscuits. Our centres also typically have some ‘extras’ available, which can include some basic toiletries and dog and cat food for people with pets.
Can the parcel be adapted to special dietary requirements?
Our foodbank can usually adapt your food parcel to suit your dietary needs. Just let them know when you arrive with your voucher. We can provide specific parcels for a range of needs including people with diabetes, gluten intolerance, vegetarians and halal. We will also endeavour to adapt your parcel to accommodate any food allergies you indicate.
Will the food parcel cater for my whole family?
Our foodbank will adapt your food parcel according to the number of adults and children indicated on your voucher. They will also endeavour to provide foods that are age appropriate and in suitable quantities for your children.
What if I can’t get to the foodbank centre?
It is okay to send either a key worker or someone from the agency that refers you to pick up the parcel from our centres on your behalf. It is also okay to send a friend. In each case the person picking up should bring the voucher filled in with your name and details when they come to the centre.
In exceptional circumstances we may be able to help outside of our normal operating hours. Please discuss this with the agency that refers you and ask them to get in touch with the foodbank directly to discuss this.