How our foodbank works

What is a foodbank?

Foodbanks provide emergency food and practical support to people who have been left without enough money to live on.  

People also get emotional support, and a reminder that they are not alone and someone understands. Our volunteers offer a friendly face and basic kindness. For many people, it’s the first time someone has sat down and listened to them – especially when they have been worn down by the way our social security system currently works.

What is a food voucher?

A food voucher is required to get help from a foodbank. Community organisations such as housing associations, GPs and advice charities can provide a referral for a food voucher, which is then exchanged for a food parcel at our foodbank.

Find out how and where to get a food voucher

What's included in a food parcel?

Our foodbank provides three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food.

Trussell has worked with nutritionists to ensure food parcels contains sufficient nutrition for at least three days worth of healthy, balanced meals for individuals and families.

A typical food parcel includes:

• Tinned fruit
• Breakfast cereals
• Soup
• Pasta
• Rice
• Pasta sauce
• Tinned beans
• Tinned meat
• Tinned vegetables
• Tea or coffee
• Biscuits
• Snacks

• Toilet Rolls

  When available:

• Toiletries
• Cleaning Materials
• Sanitary Products
• Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
• Pet Food

Dietary requirements

Our foodbank can usually adapt your food parcel to meet your dietary needs, for example, gluten free, halal or vegetarian. When you arrive at the foodbank centre, a volunteer will chat to you about an special dietary requirements you may have.

More than food

We offer holistic support and advice to people, often at their toughest moment, in two ways: through funding advisers at our foodbank, and through other external advice services.

This wrap around approach connects people with wider support and puts more money into their pockets, making it far less likely someone will need a foodbank in the future. 

Who runs food banks?

Our foodbank is run by the local community, for the local community. From trustees through to volunteers, our team is made up of local people committed to providing support across the area.

Our foodbank is an independent charity, with an independent board of trustees. 

Do you need help with your energy bills? 

Wokingham Foodbank operates a Fuelbank scheme to provide support for Wokingham Borough Council residents who are unable to afford energy costs. Find out more.