How to Get a Foodbank Voucher: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Did you know the UK government issued a report revealing that over 13 million people in the UK are struggling to afford food.

That’s 1 in 7 people!

Fortunately, Foodbanks play a vital role here. You can access free food by using a Foodbank voucher.

But let’s be honest, getting a Foodbank voucher is not easy — because there are eligibility criteria and a process to follow. Well, don’t fret. We’ve put together this guide to help you. In it, we’ll show you how to get a Foodbank voucher and what are the eligibility criteria, along with some additional tips to help you throughout the process.

Let’s begin.

First off, let’s learn what exactly a Foodbank voucher is?

A Foodbank voucher is a special piece of paper or a digital document that allows you to go to a Foodbank and receive free food to help you and your family when times are tough.

Typically, you use food voucher codes to get some sort of discounts. For instance, with Myvegan voucher codes, you can get a flat 40% discount (a hot offer as I’m writing this) or even more in some cases — which makes food more affordable and accessible. But with a Foodbank voucher, you get food entirely free. 

So who can get these Foodbank vouchers?

Foodbank vouchers are designed to help people who are facing financial hardships and might not have enough food spend on food.

The good news is that it’s not complicated to qualify for these vouchers.

These are the people who are eligible for it:

a) No Recourse to Public Funds

If you can’t access public funds, maybe due to your immigration status, you could get a Foodbank voucher to help with food.

b) Benefit Delays 

So, let’s say your government benefits are running late — like, unemployment or disability payments — you can use a Foodbank voucher to tide you over.

c) Earnings Hit Due to Illness or Hospital Stay

If you’re dealing with health issues or a hospital stay that’s affecting your income, a Foodbank voucher can ease the strain.

d) Income Drop from Reduced Hours or Budget Troubles

Maybe your work hours got cut or managing money’s become a headache due to irregular pay — in these cases, a Foodbank voucher can help.

e) First Paycheck Delay at a New Job

If you’ve recently started a new job and are waiting for your first paycheck, you can go for a Foodbank voucher.

f) Unexpected Bills for Must-Have Services 

When facing substantial unexpected bills for critical services like heating system repairs, unusually high utility bills due to extreme weather, or essential vehicle repairs, you’re in for a Foodbank voucher.

g) Major Upheaval from Accidents or Natural Disasters

If you’ve experienced a big disruption in your life due to accidents like a domestic fire or severe flood damage, you may be eligible for a Foodbank voucher to help you through this crisis.

h) Losing Financial Ground from External Causes

If you’ve lost your cash suddenly because of things like getting robbed, falling victim to credit card fraud, or your partner taking off, a Foodbank voucher can help you get back on your feet.

I do need to mention that Foodbank eligibility guidelines may vary from city to city, so it’s best to contact your local Foodbank or visit their website to understand their specific eligibility criteria and the process for obtaining food vouchers.  

5 Simple Steps on How to Get a Foodbank Voucher

Image credit: Freepik

If you find yourself eligible, you can follow these five simple steps to get a Foodbank voucher: 

1. Find Your Nearest Foodbank

The first step in getting a Foodbank voucher is to find the Foodbank nearest to your location. Let’s suppose you’re living in London and you need free food, you can visit the Westminster Foodbank. You can also call them at +44 20 7834 1731 for more information.

But it’s just an example, choose a Foodbank that is easy for you to access, depending upon where in the UK you currently are.  

If you can’t figure out your nearest Foodbank, you can call the free national helpline, Help through Hardship, at 0808 2082138 for free, (open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, closed on public holidays). 

2. Contact the Foodbank

Once you’ve identified your nearest Foodbank, the next step is to get in touch with them. Some Foodbanks require you to schedule an appointment. 

3. Prepare the Necessary Documentation

Next, you’ll need to gather some important documents. These documents may include proof of identity, your address, and information about your financial situation. So, make sure to keep these documents organised and ready, as you’ll need to provide them during your visit to the Foodbank. 

4. Visit the Foodbank

When you visit the Foodbank, their staff will guide you through the intake process, where you’ll provide your documents and register. Depending on the Foodbank’s procedures, there may be a short wait involved.

Pro Tip: If you encounter a waitlist, try to be cooperative with the staff or volunteers, they usually sort out things for you pretty quickly that way. 

5. Receive your Voucher 

After your eligibility and need have been verified, the Foodbank will provide you with a Foodbank voucher. This voucher specifies the details of where the Foodbank is located and how to access their services. They may also explain any limitations or restrictions on the use of the voucher.

So, when you have a Foodbank voucher, you’re now ready for the final step. You can visit the Foodbank and receive the groceries you and your family need. 

Summary

Sometimes, situations take a turn for the worse, making it difficult to afford food. During these challenging times, you can consider obtaining food from a Foodbank. And this is only possible if you have a Foodbank voucher. 

Just so you know, each Foodbank has certain rules and criteria for qualifying vouchers. Always try to cooperate with the staff and follow their rules. Your first step is to obtain the voucher. Once you have a voucher, you can easily access the food you need from the Foodbank without any hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions. 

How many times can I visit a Foodbank? 

You can get around four Foodbank vouchers. Basically, Foodbanks are designed for short-term help, but some places might be flexible and offer more if needed.

Can anyone go to a local Foodbank?

Typically, households with income levels 200% below the poverty line can access food assistance from local Foodbanks. This eligibility is determined by the government based on specific criteria.

How does my organisation make a referral to the Foodbank?

The Foodbank collaborates with various local agencies such as Citizens Advice and children’s centres. These agencies can refer individuals by providing them with a Foodbank voucher. If your organisation can support people in this way, you can contact the Foodbank to discuss becoming a registered referral agency. 

How many people in the UK use Foodbanks?

In the UK, around 2.99 million people turned to Foodbanks during 2022-23. This number went up from the previous year, highlighting an increasing need for this vital support.