Get Help
Visiting a foodbank
Our Food Bank is a warm, confidential and empathetic space. Aside from an emergency food parcel clients have the opportunity to chat to volunteers, have a hot beverage and receive expert advice.
When should I attend the Foodbank
To attend a foodbank session you will need to a have a foodbank voucher from a referral agent. For more information about how to get a food voucher click here. You will be told which foodbank session/location to attend by the referral agent. All our sessions are open between 1pm-3pm, you can arrive at any time during this period to collect your food parcel. Because we rent these spaces unfortunately we are also not able to open the sessions early, so please do not arrive before the session begins at 1pm.
Walking into the Foodbank
We know that crisis can strike anyone and we also understand how difficult it can be to think about walking through a foodbank door. That’s why our food bank volunteers aim to welcome everyone who comes to the foodbank with compassion, kindness and a listening ear. When you first attend the foodbank you will be asked to ‘check in’ with the Foodbank Session Lead who will explain everything that is available in to you at the session.
Our foodbank also operates as a warm space and has a free café which offers coffee, tea, cheese toasties, soup & roll, and biscuits/treats, which you will be offered on arrival.
Your Food Parcel
Your foodbank voucher will be exchanged for three days of emergency food. Your food parcel will be prepacked into a crate when you get to the food bank. Please bring your own bags to pack up your food.
We want to make sure that we give you the right food to meet your needs, so please do let your referral agent know if you have dietary requirements such as vegan/vegetarian/halal or any allergies.
For information about what a typical food parcel will contain click here.
Other Essentials
We understand that food is not the only essential item that people in crisis need. This is why we also supply items such as toiletries, cleaning products, baby products and pet food. Please note that these extra products are dependent on donations and can run out throughout a session. If you have something specific that you need such as a certain nappy size please inform your referral agent when they are issuing your food bank voucher and we will see what we can do.
Practical Guidance and Support
Foodbank volunteers take the time to listen and support you. They are knowledgeable about local services and can offer practical guidance so that you have access to the right support. Local services include job clubs, low cost food pantries, day centres. If you are interested in any of these please ask a volunteer who will talk you through the options!
Financial Advisor
Each of our food bank sessions have a dedicated advisor from either Citizens Advice or Manchester Mind. Advisors are able to assist with benefits checks, issues with debt, housing or other issues. The advisors will give you ongoing support to try and resolve the issue you are facing.