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FAQs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions:
How does my organisation make a referral to the food bank?
Our food bank works with a range of local agencies who meet people whose income isn’t covering essential costs. Citizens Advice Wandsworth, local schools, children’s centres and health visitors are just some of those who can make refer people to our food bank by issuing them with a food bank voucher. If you think that your organisation could help people by referring them to our food bank, please get in touch with us to discuss becoming a registered food bank referrer.
Where is my nearest food bank centre?
Please go to the locations page to find the address and opening times of each of our seven food bank centres. Please note you need a foodbank voucher each time you need emergency food and support from the food bank. If you don’t have a voucher, you can find out how to get a food bank voucher here, as well as what other emergency financial support is available to Wandsworth residents.
What’s in a 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, instant mash, UHT milk, tea, coffee, sugar, tinned dessert and biscuits.
Can the parcel be adapted to special dietary or cultural requirements?
Yes! Our food bank can adapt your food parcel to suit your dietary needs. Just let us know when you arrive. We can provide specific parcels for people who need food suitable for diabetics or a gluten intolerance, and for people who need vegetarian food. We will also adapt your parcel to accommodate any food allergies you tell us about.
Will the food parcel cater for my whole family?
Our food bank will adapt your food parcel according to the number of adults and children indicated on your voucher. We will also endeavour to provide foods that are age appropriate and in suitable quantities for your children. We can often offer baby foods, and please let us know if you have a child under-2 who needs formula milk and we will try our best to help.
I have a baby, can you help with supplies of nappies and baby food?
Yes – we provide nappies, baby wipes and baby foods, which we can add to your parcel. Please let us know when you arrive if you need additional items for your baby. We can also signpost you to provision of further support where possible, for instance Healthy Start vouchers and Little Village (who provide clothes and equipment to families with children under-5).