COLUMN: Citizens Advice Leighton Linslade
I'm stressed about being able to afford food for my family as the colder months set in. We will be spending more on heating, and we’re barely making it through as it is. Can I use a food bank if I need to?
It’s understandable to be worried about affording food when you’re in a tough spot financially - especially with the cost of your bills rising. You’re not alone, as Citizens Advice helps lots of people in this position.
Food banks are community organisations that can help if you can’t afford food, or if you need emergency food, but you’ll usually need a referral before you can use one. You can get a referral for yourself and any family members you live with, including your partner.
You can find your nearest Citizens Advice and ask them to refer you to a food bank. They'll usually make an appointment for you to discuss your situation with an adviser, who will ask you some questions to check you’re eligible. If you are, they’ll give you a voucher for your nearest food bank.
Citizens Advice can also check if you should be getting any benefits you're not currently claiming, assist with budgeting, and tell you about other local help you could get.
You can also ask for a referral from another organisation, for example your GP, local council, housing association, local Children's Centre or social worker. When an organisation refers you to a food bank, they’ll give you a voucher and tell you where the food bank is - be sure to check if the voucher is only valid on a specific day.
When you visit the food bank, let them know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements - they should be able to help you. You’ll get a food parcel and it will usually contain enough food for at least three days, and you might also be able to get essential toiletries, like toothpaste or deodorant.
If you live in a rural area and can’t afford to travel, or you’re sick or disabled and can’t travel, the food bank might be able to deliver your food parcel - you can contact them to ask.
If the food bank is run by a church or other religious group, they'll still help you if you're not religious or from a different religion.
You’ll need another referral if you need to use the food bank again. Some have a limit on the number of times you can visit, but it's still worth asking. If you're in this situation, talk to an adviser at Citizens Advice.
The adviser will ask you some questions about your ongoing needs. They'll refer you to the food bank if they agree it's the best way to help you - and even if they can't refer you again, they'll give you advice on debt and benefits, if you need it.
You might be able to use some food banks without a referral, for example, if it’s run by a church or community group. The easiest way to find out if you need a referral is to contact your local food bank.
Here at Citizens Advice Leighton Linslade, we have details for a local foodbank where we can make a referral but we can also give you details of other sources of help for which you don’t need referrals. Don’t be worried about contacting us for help as we can also advise you on the best way to maximise your income or help you deal with any debts that are causing you financial difficulty.
You can contact us here at Citizens Advice Leighton Linslade about this or any other issue. You can ring our Advice Line on 01525 373878 when our friendly advisers are available to help you Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm, Monday to Thursday 2pm to 4pm.Alternatively, you contact us via our website www.leightonlinsladecab.org.uk where you will find an online enquiry form to email us.
Citizens Advice Leighton Linslade is a registered charity who relies on donations to continue to support the local community. To help us to help you, please consider a donation via our website: www.leightonlinsladecab.org.uk/donate