How food banks work

Every day in the UK, people face hunger due to redundancy, unexpected bills, or inadequate income. At North Bristol & South Gloucestershire Foodbank, we provide emergency food parcels while addressing the root causes of poverty through collaboration, advocacy, and community empowerment.

Here’s how we operate:

Where do food banks get their food?

Food banks rely on community generosity and strategic partnerships. Schools, churches, and businesses donate non-perishable items, while supermarket collection points during events like Harvest Festival amplify contributions. In 2023–2024, 20% of our stock was purchased to meet rising demand, ensuring no one goes without essentials. We also partner with Tesco and Asda for bulk donations, supplemented by targeted fresh food initiatives like onions, garlic, and cheese at select outlets.

Preparing nutritionally balanced support

Over 250 volunteers sort donations, check expiry dates, and pack three-day emergency parcels tailored to dietary and cultural needs. In 2024, we distributed 139 tonnes of food, including fresh items, and introduced recipe cards to help clients create affordable meals. Our volunteer van teams collect and distribute stock across nine community outlets, with plans to expand fresh food access to all locations.

How to access emergency food vouchers

To receive a food parcel, individuals need a voucher issued by a referral partner. These partners include:

• Citizens Advice advisors (our most frequent referrers)
• Social workers, GPs, and health visitors
• Schools and family support teams
• Local housing associations

Visit our how to get help page for a list of referrers you can go to.

All vouchers are now electronic, simplifying the process for both referrers and clients. Partners assess need and issue vouchers directly via our secure system. Clients then receive an SMS inviting them to come to colect a food parcel at one of our nine outlets.

What happens during a food bank visit?

When someone arrives at an outlet, volunteers greet them warmly, review their voucher, and discuss household needs, allergies, or preferences (e.g., halal or gluten-free options). Parcels are packed in real-time at most locations, balancing speed and personalisation.

Volunteers offer hot drinks and a private space to talk, providing a listening ear and signposting to long-term solutions. Several of our outlets host Citizens Advice advisors, who helped clients secure £139,268 in additional income last year through benefit corrections and grants. Our centres are evolving into community hubs, partnering with initiatives like The Bridge Food Project to offer budgeting help, workshops and discounted food, fostering connections beyond immediate crisis support.