A Brief Guide: Food Bank Vouchers in the UK

In difficult times, finding help for essential needs like food can feel overwhelming. Food banks are vital pillars of community support, offering a lifeline to individuals and families facing hardship across East London.

Many food banks, including those in the Trussell Trust network, use a voucher system to distribute aid. However, it’s important to understand that not all operate the same way. At Highams Park Hub, we use a trusted referral system built within our local community—no food bank vouchers required.

This guide clarifies how food bank vouchers typically work and details our simple referral process at Highams Park Hub. If you’re wondering how to get a food bank voucher or access our services in E4, this guide is your first step to finding support.

The Shocking Reality of Food Insecurity in the UK Today

Food insecurity affects communities across Britain, including here in Waltham Forest. Recent statistics paint a concerning picture:

• • In 2023/24, approximately 3.12 million people used food banks across the United Kingdom—a 4% increase from the previous year.
• • Young people and those on low incomes continue to use food banks disproportionately compared to other demographics.
• • According to the World Socialist Web Site, there were 1 million more people suffering from “hunger and hardship” than five years ago, and nearly 3 million more than in the mid-2000s.

Behind these numbers are real people—neighbours in Chingford and Highams Park who face unexpected job loss, benefit delays, or rising living costs that create crisis situations. Food banks step in to provide emergency food parcels and compassionate support when people cannot afford food.

The existence of food bank Chingford services shows our shared belief that no one should go hungry. They’re powered by the generosity of donors and the hard work of volunteers who ease immediate hardship and restore dignity.

Why Do Food Banks Use Vouchers or Referrals?

These systems aren’t barriers—they ensure help is distributed fairly and effectively to those who need it most.

They serve several key purposes:

1. 1. Ensuring Genuine Need: Referral agencies have professionals who discuss your situation, confirming you’re in a food crisis and ensuring limited resources go where they’re most needed.
2. 2. Providing Holistic Support: The process helps identify root causes of crisis, allowing agencies to offer broader advice on debt, benefits, or unemployment.
3. 3. Managing Resources: Food banks depend on donations. A referral system helps track how many people need help, allowing preparation of appropriate food parcels for everyone.
4. 4. Dignity and Confidentiality: The process is designed to be private and respectful, protecting every person’s dignity.

How to Get a Food Bank Voucher: The General System

Many food banks across the UK use a voucher system, including organisations like the Trussell Trust. If you need help from one of these food banks, here’s how it generally works.

Who Issues Food Bank Vouchers?

Vouchers aren’t given out by the food bank itself. They come from a network of local agencies that partner with the food bank.

These ‘referral agencies’ are trained to assess your situation with care. Common referral agencies include:

• • Citizens Advice Bureaux: They can help with many issues and issue vouchers if needed.
• • Local Councils: Departments like social services or housing officers often provide vouchers.
• • GPs and Healthcare Professionals: Your doctor or health visitor can refer you to a food bank.
• • Schools: Support workers in schools can refer struggling families.
• • Jobcentre Plus: If you have benefit issues, your work coach may provide a referral.
• • Other Local Charities: Including housing associations and community support centres.

Steps to Get a Voucher:

The process to get a food bank voucher is straightforward:

1. 1. Contact a Referral Agency: Get in touch with one of the organisations above—call them, visit their office, or speak to a professional you already know.
2. 2. Discuss Your Circumstances: A trained advisor will have a sensitive conversation about why you need food support and what other challenges you face.
3. 3. Receive Your Voucher: If eligible, you’ll receive a food bank voucher—either paper or electronic—with information about which food bank to visit.
4. 4. Redeem Your Voucher: Take your voucher to the specified food bank during opening hours, where volunteers will exchange it for an emergency food parcel.

It’s worth noting some voucher systems have limits. For example, you might only receive three vouchers in six months unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Highams Park Hub’s Referral System: A Community-Led Approach

At Waltham forest food bank Highams Park Hub, we believe in building local connections. Our goal is direct, compassionate support.

Crucially, Highams Park Hub operates on a referral system. We do NOT use food bank vouchers. This means you don’t need a physical voucher from an outside agency. Our process is built on trust and direct referrals from local professionals who are part of our community.

This approach allows for a more personal connection, ensuring your needs are understood by someone familiar with your situation, making getting help smoother and more dignified.

Who Can Refer You to Highams Park Hub?

The strength of our system comes from trusted local professionals who are often the first to know when someone faces difficulties.

You can be referred to Highams Park Hub by various public servants, including:

• • Doctors (GPs) and Healthcare Professionals: Your family doctor or health provider.
• • Library Staff: Staff at local libraries can make referrals.
• • Social Workers: Professionals from the local council’s social services.
• • Support Workers: People working for local charities or housing associations.
• • Teachers or School Staff: Staff at your child’s school can refer your family.
• • Police Officers: Community support officers can make referrals in certain situations.
• • Citizens Advice Bureau Advisors: They can refer you if our system suits you better.
• • Religious Leaders: Local vicars, imams, or other faith leaders.

These individuals are part of the fabric of Highams Park. Their ability to refer you demonstrates how our community support network is connected.

The Highams Park Hub Referral Process – Step-by-Step

Accessing support from Highams Park Hub is simple and compassionate:

Step 1: Identify a Local Professional

Think about who you’re already in contact with from our referrers list—perhaps your GP, a teacher, or librarian.

If you’re not connected with anyone listed, contact Citizens Advice, explain your situation, and mention you need a referral to Highams Park Hub.

Step 2: Discuss Your Situation

Approach your chosen professional, explaining you’re in a food crisis and need a referral to Highams Park Hub.

They’ll have a private conversation to understand your needs, helping ensure the right referral and appropriate support.

Step 3: The Professional Contacts Us

Afterward, they’ll contact Highams Park Hub directly with basic, confidential information about your needs.

Your privacy is always respected throughout this process.

Step 4: We Contact You

Once we receive the referral, a team member will contact you to confirm and explain next steps.

We’re here to make you feel welcome and supported.

Step 5: Arranging Collection

We’ll schedule a time for you to collect your emergency food parcel during our opening hours:

• • Tuesdays: 11am-1pm (Food bank and free debt advice in Waltham Forest)
• • Wednesdays: 11am-2pm (Community cafe alongside food bank and debt advice)
• • Thursdays: 11am-1pm (Food bank and debt advice)

We’ll be as flexible as possible within these hours.

Step 6: What to Expect at the Hub

When you visit, friendly volunteers will welcome you with your prepared food parcel.

This is a chance for a warm welcome—our volunteers help without judgment, ensuring you feel supported and respected.

Understanding Your Needs and Receiving Broader Support

Our referral system isn’t just for emergency food—it’s an entry point to a wider care network.

The professionals referring you can often offer guidance on other issues, including benefit claims, debt advice, or mental health support. Our collective goal is helping you find long-term stability.

We understand that seeking help can be difficult. We’re committed to providing support with dignity, respect, and understanding.

Beyond Food: How You Can Help Highams Park Hub

For those wanting to help, there are several ways to make a difference:

• • Donate food to food bank: Non-perishable food donations are our lifeblood. Every tin of soup or box of cereal makes a direct impact.
• • Donate cash to food bank: Financial contributions allow us to buy essential items we’re short of and cover running costs.
• • Food bank volunteering East London: Our Hub runs on volunteer power. You can help sort donations or welcome visitors.
• • Spread Awareness: Share information about our referral system. Let local professionals know they can refer people to us.
• • Visit Our Community Cafe: Every Wednesday from 11am to 2pm, join neighbours at our welcoming cafe—a space for connection over affordable refreshments.

Your support strengthens the collective care defining our E4 community.

Working Together to Combat Food Insecurity

Food insecurity is a complex problem. The solution begins with simple acts of kindness and clear support systems.

Highams Park Hub’s referral system provides practical help and hope. By working with local professionals and our generous community, we ensure support is accessible and dignified for everyone in Chingford, Highams Park, and surrounding areas.

We believe in the power of working together to leave the world better than we found it—starting right here in E4.

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FAQ Section

Q1: What is the main difference between the Trussell Trust system and Highams Park Hub’s system?

A1: The Trussell Trust uses a voucher system requiring vouchers from referral agencies. Highams Park Hub uses a direct referral system where local professionals contact us on your behalf, eliminating the need for physical vouchers and creating a more streamlined process.

Q2: Can I just turn up at Highams Park Hub for food?

A2: No, you must be referred by a local professional first. This ensures we can manage our supplies effectively and provide appropriate support to everyone in crisis. The referral system helps us prepare for your specific needs.

Q3: How quickly can I get food once I’ve been referred to Highams Park Hub?

A3: Once we receive your referral, we’ll contact you promptly to arrange collection during our opening hours (Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am-1pm, Wednesdays 11am-2pm). We understand emergencies require quick responses.

Q4: What if I don’t know any professionals who can refer me?

A4: If you aren’t connected with a GP or public servant, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau. Explain your situation and that you need a referral to Highams Park Hub. They’ll guide you through the process and can often make the referral themselves.

Q5: What kind of food will I receive in a parcel?

A5: You’ll receive nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food for at least three days. We do our best to accommodate dietary requirements mentioned during the referral process. Parcels typically include pasta, rice, tinned goods, and essential toiletries.

Q6: Are there limits to how often I can receive support from Highams Park Hub?

A6: We provide emergency support during crisis periods. Our referring professionals also work to address root causes of your situation to help restore stability. Each referral is assessed individually based on your specific circumstances.

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About the Author

Karim is a human being and helps at Highams Park Hub. Karim experienced homelessness towards the end of 2016 and is grateful to have moved on, working in the financial markets for a while and now helping small businesses, charities and nonprofits with their digital marketing. His personal experience of hardship informs his compassionate approach to community support at the Hub.

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Sources

• • Trussell Trust. “Get a food voucher.” Trussell.org.uk.
• • Brent Foodbank. “Foodbank vouchers.” Brent.foodbank.org.uk.
• • NBSG Foodbank. “How To Get A Food Bank Voucher.” Nbsg.foodbank.org.uk.
• • Birmingham City Council. “Foodbanks.” Birmingham.gov.uk.
• • Statista. “UK food bank users 2024.” Statista.com.
• • GOV.UK. “United Kingdom Food Security Report 2024.” Gov.uk.
• • Citizens Advice. “Using a food bank.” Citizensadvice.org.uk.
• • Kingston Foodbank. “Where do I get a Foodbank Voucher?” Kingston.foodbank.org.uk.