Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about the Food Bank? Chances are, others are asking the same! See the most frequently asked questions.

Data Protection:

What our Clients need to know about our Privacy Policy

We collect basic personal data about our clients, including name, address, and contact details. Wansbeck Valley Food Bank complies with its obligations under the General Data Protection Regulations;
  • by keeping personal data up to date
  • by storing and destroying it securely
  • by not collecting or retaining excessive amounts of data
  • by protecting personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorised access and disclosure
  • and by ensuring that appropriate technical measures are in place to protect personal data.
Read more about our Client Privacy Policy and  how we will use this information …. Should you need further clarification please contact our Data Controller – Sheila Rowley

Directions to Food Bank:

Directions to Wansbeck Valley Food Bank

We have moved to a temporary location situated within the site of Northgate Hospital which is just north of Morpeth.

Make your way to the Northgate Hospital Roundabout and take the exit signed Northgate Hospital. Once within the hospital site continue past the GEES Centre on the left. When you pass the Northgate Park sign on the left-hand side take the first turning on the left [singed Belsay and Bothal]. You will find our warehouse and distribution centre just beyond and in the carpark againt to the left. The office is located just opposite within the Belsay unit.

Need Help:

Are you in need and running out of food?

Or do you know a family without enough to eat?

Wansbeck Valley Food Bank will provide emergency food for a minimum of three days.

To help us serve those in genuine need, clients must be recommended to us by one of our associated local Partner Agencies – for example:

  • Citizens Advice Bureau
  • Northumberland Communities Together
  • Health Visitors
  • Other health professionals
  • Carers

The Refering Agency  will forward your request to the Food Bank for consideration and you will be notified accordingly.

Note; The Food Back will only issue food to those who have been referred to us by one of our Partner Agencies

Who does the Food Bank serve?

The food bank serves those in financial hardship who have been referred to us by one of our many referring professional organisations and individuals.

Cash Donations

How to make a cash donation

Postal Donations

Cash donations allow us to replenish our shelves with essencials. If you wish to send us a cheque please make it payable the Wansbeck Valley Food Bank CIO and post it to Wansbeck Valley Food Bank, Northgate Hospital, Morpeth. NE61 3BP.

Paying Directly into our Bank Account

The most effective way to give to the food bank is by making a regular donation.

Like you, if we know how much money’s coming in every month, then we know how to plan for the future. To set up a Standing Order with your bank please download this Standing Order form

If you are a UK Taxpayer please download and complete the Gift Aid Declaration so the Food Bank can reclaim tax on your donation. Send it to us at the address above or alternatively email it to wansbeckvalleyfoodbank@gmail.com

Online Donations using PayPal

You can safely and securely make a one-off or regular donations using our online form via Paypal:

Online Donations and Fund Raising using Justgiving

JustGiving is another way of making a donation or helping you start a fund raising event:

Volunteering:

How do I volunteer for the food bank?

The project needs more volunteers, including drivers, so if you are able to give a few hours on a regular basis, preferably at least twice a month.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer please follow this link ….

Food Banking Overview;

Who does the Food Bank serve?

The food bank serves those in financial hardship who have been referred to us by one of our many referring professional organisations and individuals.

How many people use the food bank?

Last year, Wansbeck Valley Food Bank [WVFB] we supplied 115,113 meals to 3416 children and 6309 adults. The total value of these meals being £230,226.

Such has been the recent increase in demand combined with rising food costs we are on course in 2023 to supply 136815 meals valued at £498,000.

How many paid staff does the food bank have?

The food bank has been in operation  since 2013 and in all that time has operated on an entirely voluntary basis. However, by 2018 the scale of our operation had grown to such an extent as to place unreasonable demands on core members of our management team.

To ease those burdens and to provide an effective and efficient service to our clients we now employ two salaried food bank co-ordinators.

Is the food bank a national organisation?

Wansbeck Valley Food Bank is an independent  local charity set up to help prevent and relieve poverty or financial hardship. We are a member of IFAN  which is a UK network of independent food aid providers.

We   operate in association with local social services and other professional agencies.

What does the Food Bank do?

Wansbeck Valley Food Bank is a local charity set up to help prevent and relieve poverty or financial hardship by providing food with your help.

What is a “Partner Agency”?

To help us serve those in genuine need, clients must be recommended to us by one of our associated local Partner Agencies – for example:

  • Citizens Advice Bureau
  • Northumberland Communities Together
  • Health Visitors
  • Other health professionals
  • Carers

The Refering Agency  will forward your request to the Food Bank for consideration and you will be notified accordingly.

Note; The Food Back will only issue food to those who have been referred to us by one of our Partner Agencie

Helping anyone in the Wansbeck Valley area with an emergency need for food.

Thank you for your upload