How it works

 

1. FOOD IS DONATED

Through the generosity of individuals, groups, schools, churches and local organisations, food is donated to us. We also have supermarket collections where we have a permanent basket in the store or where volunteers hand out shopping lists, asking people to buy an extra item from the list and put in the trolley on their way out.

2. FOOD IS SORTED AND STORED

At the warehouse this food is sorted by volunteers according to type and best before date. It is then delivered to our distribution centres around the Wansbeck Valley area.

3. PEOPLE IN NEED ARE IDENTIFIED

Care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers and Citizens Advice Bureau staff, amongst others, identify people in crisis and issue them with a Food Bank referral form.

4. CLIENTS RECEIVE FOOD

Clients bring their referral form to a Food Bank Distribution Centre where it can be exchanged for at least three days’ supply of food. Current distribution centre opening hours can be viewed here.