National Food Bank Day 2024

In the last year, Trussell Trust has provided 3.1 million emergency food parcels to people facing hardship across the UK. 

So what’s a food bank and how would you get a food parcel?

You’ll usually need a referral to a food bank before you can use one, including any food banks run by Trussell Trust. A referral would include yourself and any family members you live with.

Before we issue a foodbank voucher, we will explore your situation to see if you’re eligible. We check that you’re getting all the income you’re entitled to, and what other help might be available.. If an underlying issue is debt, we can give you advice on budgeting and give you a follow up appointment with one of our trained debt  advisers. 

When we, or another organisation issues you a food voucher, it may only be valid for a specific date. 

Your food parcel should contain enough food for 3 days. The food bank may also be able to give you essential toiletries, like toothpaste or deodorant.

Food banks will try to accommodate any allergies and dietary requirements, and may be able to deliver if you are from a rural area and can’t afford to travel, or you are sick or disabled and can’t travel. This varies by foodbank so check your local food bank.

If you need to use the foodbank again, then you’ll need another referral. Some food banks limit the amount of times that you can visit. If you speak to an adviser asking for another referral, we will discuss the underlying issues why you need to use a food bank. If you are working with us on these issues, such as ways to get out of debt, then we can refer you again. 

Then what's a food pantry? 

Food pantries are slightly different from food banks in that pantries are open to everyone. Usually, users pay an annual membership fee, plus a small donation every time they go to the pantry. 

Pantries are open to everyone, so are used for different reasons. A lot of the food is intercepted on their way to bins, so using food pantries can reduce food waste and help us to be more environmentally friendly as well as being low cost.

Where are the food pantries in the community?

Wigan Council has a list of food pantries in the borough. Visit this page on their website for further details.