Food banks: how to get help, and how to give it

Start with Trussell’s emergency food guidance or Citizens Advice: using a food bank (England, with links to other UK nations). Citizens Advice’s linked page applies to England and provides links for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Local councils and independent community providers may offer other routes.

Ask about opening times, whether you need a referral and what to bring. That can save a wasted journey. Explain any dietary requirements and whether you can cook or store the food offered. You do not need to be a VervTrip customer to use these links.

Trussell food banks require a food voucher. Organisations such as advice charities, housing associations or GPs can provide referrals; the food bank can explain local arrangements. Some providers outside that community work differently. Trussell: how food banks work

Contacting an advice service can also be a chance to discuss other pressures on the household budget. You can ask for a private conversation. Our UK food insecurity guide explains why a food parcel is one part of support, rather than the whole answer.

Check the local food bank’s current needs before filling a basket. Trussell points donors to local lists and the BankTheFood app. It also suggests direct financial donations through a food bank’s own website, allowing it to buy what is needed. Trussell: donating food and other essentials

Ask before bringing fresh, frozen or homemade food. Storage and handling arrangements vary. For a workplace collection, agree a delivery time and the items requested before publicising it. A smaller, useful delivery is better than leaving volunteers to find space for unsuitable items.

Giving time may be another option. Ask about current vacancies and the commitment required instead of turning up expecting a shift. If donating is not affordable for you, sharing accurate local support information is worthwhile too.

If you already have a trip in mind, VervTrip’s Stay & Give commitment links every completed booking to a company-funded contribution towards UK food banks. There is no extra donation charge at checkout.

Booking is not a condition of receiving help and is not the only way to support someone. Direct support for a local organisation remains a separate option. For a broader understanding of the issue, explore our world hunger guide and the UK figures.