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Visiting a Foodbank

What to expect when you visit our 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 foodbank volunteers aim to welcome everyone who comes to the foodbank with compassion, kindness and a listening ear.

Signboard with the message - Food bank session today

“The volunteers at the foodbank were so lovely, they listened to me and made me feel human again. It was the first place I didn’t feel judged.”

What Will Happen At The Foodbank Distribution Centre ?

1. Tell us your name

  • On arrival at the Foodbank centre tell us your name.
  • Our volunteers will check on our system to find your e-referral voucher, which is sent to us direct from your referral agency.
  • You do NOT need to print this voucher.
  • In some circumstances your referrer may tell you to bring additional documentation with you – please don’t forget to bring this if you have been told you need it.

2. Receive your food and toiletries

  • We will give you a food parcel containing three days of emergency food
  • We want to make sure that we give you the right food to meet your needs so please make sure the referral agency knows if  you have any special dietary requirements or allergies. They will put this information on your e-voucher.
  • In addition to food, we also provide basic toiletries such as shampoo, shower gel, toilet roll, razors and shaving foam as well as baby wipes and nappies.
  • We will also ask you if you have any pets and then provide pet food accordingly.
  • It is helpful if you are able to bring strong carrier bags or a shopping trolley bag.

3. Signposting to additional sources of help

Our foodbank has a Signposting & Support Officer and volunteers who can offer additional help alongside emergency food, to help people address the underlying issues behind their crisis.

  • We will invite you to have a chat (and a cup of tea if you like) with one of our volunteers.
  • They may be able to signpost you to local and national support agencies able to help with any longer-term problems.
  • Click here to find out about Slough Foodbank’s More than Food support and here to find out about Other Sources of Help from other organisations.

Two people sitting across a table on which are some leaflets and biscuits

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