Anyone know about foodbanks?

[Hobb]

Hi. I'm a newbie on here.

Does anyone have any experience with foodbanks please? Things are a little tough at the moment, and the cupboards are just about bare.

I know there are several foodbanks in the local area, but I was wondering how you apply to them if anyone knows.

Thanks.

I hope I've posted this in the right place btw.

[HappyMJ]

You really need to be referred to them by the job centre or benefits agency maybe your housing association or somewhere else. Some towns have a soup kitchen where you can drop in for a free meal and then ask about some food for the next few days. They will then refer you to the correct place. You should be able to do an internet search to see what is around your area.

[Hobb]

Originally Posted by HappyMJ

You really need to be referred to them by the job centre or benefits agency maybe your housing association or somewhere else. Some towns have a soup kitchen where you can drop in for a free meal and then ask about some food for the next few days. They will then refer you to the correct place. You should be able to do an internet search to see what is around your area.

Thanks MJ. I'm on ESA so my contact with benefits is minimum. Also in council housing. But I'll search around and see what I can find.

[HappyMJ]

Originally Posted by Hobb

Thanks MJ. I'm on ESA so my contact with benefits is minimum. Also in council housing. But I'll search around and see what I can find.

You can apply for a crisis loan. At that point you can ask about emergency food banks and the jobcentre should refer you there whilst you wait for your crisis loan to be approved. You will only get enough food for 3 days though and you aren't supposed to be referred very often. Every local food bank has it's own limits. It's supposed to be there for emergencies only such as benefits payments not being paid on time. It isn't supposed to be used as a benefit supplement.

[Hobb]

Originally Posted by HappyMJ

You can apply for a crisis loan. At that point you can ask about emergency food banks and the jobcentre should refer you there whilst you wait for your crisis loan to be approved. You will only get enough food for 3 days though and you aren't supposed to be referred very often. Every local food bank has it's own limits. It's supposed to be there for emergencies only such as benefits payments not being paid on time. It isn't supposed to be used as a benefit supplement.

That's fine thanks. My ESA was stopped mid-October (change from contribution to income based) and was my sole income, so the cupboards really are getting a bit bare.

Thanks anyway.

[WantToBeSE]

Hobb, you can also have a look on Facebook for your local foodbank. Maybe you could write a message on their wall, or PM the person who runs it.

My local foodbank is run by the local Christian Fellowship, and they provide a phone number on their website that you can call to ask for help from the foodbank. It may be worth looking to see if yours offers the same.

Good luck

[bloss0m]

The Trussle trust run many of them

http://www.trusselltrust.org/start-a-foodbank

as said I think you need to be refereed to cut down on fraud, check also to see whether you have all benefits you are entitled to, may get on a utility tariff where you can get £130 off your bill I forgot the name of what its called, must check

[Mojisola]

Originally Posted by Hobb

That's fine thanks. My ESA was stopped mid-October (change from contribution to income based) and was my sole income, so the cupboards really are getting a bit bare.

Have you had help from anyone to see what other benefits you could apply for? If you have no other income and less than £6k in capital, you should be able to claim something.

[Hobb]

Thanks everyone. I'll follow up on all the comments.

[Savvy_Sue]

Referral doesn't have to be from benefits: could be GP, local minister, health visitor if there are children - usually quite a wide range, as I understand it.

[Hobb]

Originally Posted by Savvy_Sue

Referral doesn't have to be from benefits: could be GP, local minister, health visitor if there are children - usually quite a wide range, as I understand it.

Again, many thanks.

[inkie]

each food bank will have their own method of referral. I am a minister and at our church we offer 3 day emergency food parcels as a one off for,people in food crisis. We work on referral only, and have a special referral form for agencies to fill in, to verify the need. I know that a lot of the 'food bank' brand food banks work on. Similar basis and will only give food in exchange for a voucher issued by a referring agency. Hope you manage to get sorted with something.

[jollyme]

Citizens Advice can refer in my area

[Hobb]

Many thanks folks, already followed your advice and have made contact with a couple of foodbanks. I'm pretty sure one of them will be able to help if/when the time comes.

Thanks all.

[SEE]

Utterly heartbreaking reading these stories. Not too well off myself, but I'm beginning to think Britain is becoming a third world country

[Mojisola]

Originally Posted by SEE

Utterly heartbreaking reading these stories. Not too well off myself, but I'm beginning to think Britain is becoming a third world country

Add to the increase in use of foodbanks, the stories about people starting to live in their cars because they need a car for work but can't afford a car and rent and you will wonder where the country is heading.