How foodbanks work

Providing emergency food to people in crisis.

Every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. A simple parcel of food makes a big difference, with foodbanks helping prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems.

Food is donated


Food is sorted and stored

Volunteers sort food to check that it’s in date and store it ready to be given to people in need. Over 40,000 people give up their time to volunteer at foodbanks.

Professionals identify people in need


Clients receive food

Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a foodbank centre where it can be redeemed for three days’ emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a warm drink and are able to signpost people to agencies able to solve the longer-term problem.

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