What Do Food Banks Do? Essential Help at Highams Park Hub

Life can be very difficult. Sometimes, money is tight. Unexpected bills happen. Jobs are lost.

When these things happen, buying food becomes a major worry. No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.

This is where we step in. You might wonder, what do food banks do?

We are here to help. We are a safety net for our community. We provide food, warmth, and a clear path forward.

This guide explains exactly how we help and how you can get support.

We Provide Essential Food

The main answer to what do food banks do is simple: we feed people.

When you have no money for groceries, hunger is a scary reality. We stop hunger immediately.

We collect food from kind donors. We sort it carefully. Then, we give it to you.

What is in a Food Parcel?

A “food parcel” is a box or bag of food packed for you. It is designed to last for a few days.

We focus on food that lasts a long time and is easy to cook. A typical parcel includes:

• Tinned Goods: Soup, vegetables, fruit, fish, and meat.
• Dried Goods: Pasta, rice, cereals, and biscuits.
• Long-Life Drinks: UHT milk, fruit juice, and tea or coffee.
• Cooking Helpers: Pasta sauces and cooking oil.

We try to make sure the food is healthy. We want you to feel strong.

Non-Food Essentials

Hunger is not the only problem when money is low. Keeping clean is important for your health and dignity.

You cannot feel good if you cannot wash. We understand this.

That is why we also provide essential household items when we have them. These often include:

• Toiletries: Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant.
• Sanitary Products: Pads and tampons.
• Baby Care: Nappies and baby wipes.
• Cleaning Supplies: Washing up liquid and laundry powder.

These items help you feel human again. They allow you to face the world with your head held high.

How to Get Help in East London

We make getting help as simple as possible. We do not judge. We just want to help.

When to Visit Us

We have specific times for food pick-up at our Waltham Forest food bank. This helps us manage our supplies and volunteers.

Food Pick-Up Times:

• Tuesdays: 11 am to 1 pm
• Thursdays: 11 am to 1 pm

Please come during these times. Our team will be ready to welcome you.

Understanding Referrals

You may hear the word “referral.” This can sound confusing.

What is a referral?
It is simply a note or a voucher from a professional. It confirms that you need extra help right now.

Many food banks require this voucher. It helps ensure that food goes to those who need it most.

You can get a referral from:

• Doctors (GPs)
• Social Workers
• Housing Officers
• Citizens Advice

At Highams Park Hub, we work with local partners in the E4 area. We want to make sure you can access our food bank Chingford residents rely on easily.

If you are unsure, just ask us. We will explain the process clearly.

We Build Community: The Wednesday Cafe

What do food banks do besides give out food? At Highams Park Hub, we cure loneliness.

Being poor can feel very lonely. You might stay home to save money. You might feel ashamed.

We want to break that isolation. We believe in the power of connection.

A Warm Welcome

We invite all Highams Park and Chingford residents to our community cafe.

Cafe Time:

• Wednesdays: 11 am to 2 pm

This is not just a place to eat. It is a safe space.

What you can expect:

• Hot Food: We serve warm, freshly prepared meals.
• Warmth: Our space is heated and comfortable.
• Company: You can chat with friendly volunteers and neighbours.

Why Connection Matters

Sitting alone with your worries makes them feel bigger. Sharing a meal makes a difference.

At the cafe, you are not a “client.” You are a guest. You are a neighbour.

You can relax. You can talk about your day. Or you can sit quietly and enjoy the food.

This restores your spirit. It reminds you that you are part of a caring community.

We Solve Money Problems: Debt Advice

Food is the immediate fix. But we want to fix the root cause.

Why do people need food banks? Usually, it is because of debt or low income.

We want to help you become debt-free. We want you to have financial stability.

Our Partnership with CAP UK

We are proud to partner with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) UK. They are experts in handling debt.

This partnership means we can offer free debt advice in Waltham Forest with professional support. We do not just guess; we bring in the experts.

How CAP helps you:

• Review: They look at all the money you owe.
• Budgeting: They help you create a plan to spend money wisely.
• Negotiation: They talk to the people you owe money to (creditors).
• Freedom: They create a real plan to get you out of debt completely.

Breaking the Cycle

Giving you food helps for a week. Helping you with debt helps for a lifetime.

This is a key part of what do food banks do. We offer a pathway to a better future.

We also help point you toward other support. This is called “signposting.”

We can connect you to help for:

• Benefit Applications: Making sure you get the money you are owed.
• Housing Issues: Helping you keep your home.
• Mental Health: Finding someone to talk to if you are sad or anxious.
• Job Searching: Helping with CVs and finding work.

How We Operate: The Power of Volunteers

Food banks are not run by machines. They are run by people with big hearts.

Our work relies on the kindness of our community. This is collective care in action.

The Role of Donations

We do not have a magic supply of food. Almost everything we give comes from donations.

Where does the food come from?

• Public Donations: People buy an extra tin of beans at the supermarket and give it to us.
• Schools and Churches: Local groups run food drives to collect items.
• Businesses: Local shops donate surplus stock.

According to Warwickshire County Council, over 90% of food bank food is donated by the public.

This means your neighbours are helping you. We are just the bridge between their kindness and your need.

You can help by choosing to donate food to food bank services in your area. Every donation makes a difference.

The Role of Volunteers

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Highams Park Hub. They are the ones who make everything happen.

What do volunteers do?

• Sorting: They check every tin to make sure it is safe to eat.
• Packing: They pack your food parcel with care.
• Greeting: They welcome you with a smile when you walk in.
• Cooking: They prepare the hot meals for the Wednesday cafe.
• Listening: They offer a listening ear when you need to talk.

The Trussell Trust notes that thousands of food banks run on this volunteer power.

These people give their time for free. They do it because they care about you.

We always welcome new helpers for food bank volunteering East London communities depend on. Join our team today!

Why Food Banks Are Necessary

You might feel embarrassed to use a food bank. Please do not feel this way.

Many people in the UK need help. You are part of a large group of people facing hard times.

The Statistics of Need

The need for food banks is high. According to recent data, food bank usage has reached shocking levels:

• In 2023/24, approximately 3.12 million people used a food bank in the United Kingdom, with numbers continuing to rise in 2025.
• Between April 2024 and March 2025, more than 2.9 million emergency food parcels were distributed by Trussell Trust food banks, with more than a million going to children.
• In London alone, food bank use has doubled since 2019, with 455,571 parcels provided in the year up to March 2025.
• A YouGov survey by the Food Foundation found that in January 2025, 13.9% of households in the UK were ‘food insecure’ (ate less or went a day without eating because they couldn’t access or afford food).

That is a lot of people. It includes families, workers, and retired people.

Reasons for needing help vary:

• Low Income: Wages are not high enough to cover bills.
• Benefit Delays: Waiting weeks for payments to start.
• Unexpected Costs: A broken boiler or car repair.
• Health Issues: Being too sick to work.

Preventing Bigger Problems

What do food banks do for society? We prevent bigger disasters.

By giving you food now, we stop other bad things from happening.

• We prevent crime: People do not have to steal to eat.
• We prevent housing loss: You can use your cash for rent instead of food.
• We prevent family breakdown: Less stress means happier homes.
• We protect mental health: Knowing there is help reduces anxiety.

We are a vital service. We are proud to stand with you during tough times.

If you are able to help, please consider a donate cash to food bank contribution. Your financial support helps us maintain services for those in need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step to get food?
You usually need a referral voucher. Ask your doctor (GP), a social worker, or Citizens Advice for one. They will check your situation and give you the voucher. If you live in E4, our team can guide you through the process when you arrive.

What if I have allergies or dietary needs?
Tell us when you arrive. We will do our best to pack a parcel that is safe for you to eat. We want you to stay healthy. Our volunteers are trained to handle special dietary requirements whenever possible.

Can I just walk in for a cup of tea?
Yes! Come to our Community Cafe on Wednesdays between 11 am and 2 pm. You do not need a voucher for the cafe. Everyone from Highams Park, Chingford, and surrounding areas is welcome to join us.

Do I have to pay for the food?
No. The food is completely free. It is a gift from your community. We believe everyone deserves access to nutritious food, regardless of their financial situation.

Is the food safe to eat?
Yes. Our volunteers check the dates on every item. We only give out food that is safe and good to eat. We follow strict food safety guidelines to ensure everything we provide meets proper standards.

Can I donate food to you?
Yes, please. We always need donations. We accept tinned goods, dried pasta, and long-life milk. Check our website for a list of what we need most right now. Your donations directly help your neighbours in need.

Conclusion: We Are Here For You

So, what do food banks do?

We feed the hungry. We comfort the lonely. We guide those in debt.

At Highams Park Hub, we believe in dignity. We believe that everyone deserves a warm meal and a helping hand.

We are a strong community. We look after each other.

Here is how you can connect with us:

• Need Food? Visit us on Tuesdays or Thursdays, 11 am – 1 pm.
• Need Company? Come to the Cafe on Wednesdays, 11 am – 2 pm.
• Need Advice? Ask us about our debt advice partnership when you visit.

Do not suffer in silence. Walk through our doors. Let us support you.

Together, we can build a future where everyone has enough.

About the Author

Karim is a human being and help at Highams Park Hub. Karim was homeless 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.

Sources

• Trussell Trust. “How food banks work.”
• House of Commons Library. “Food banks in the UK.”
• Citizens Advice. “Using a food bank.”
• Warwickshire County Council. “Feeding your family: Food banks.”
• Ealing Foodbank. “How foodbanks work.”
• Statista. “UK food bank usage 2025.”
• Big Issue. “Inside the food banks seeing ‘highest demand ever seen’ as cost of living harms families.”
• A YouGov survey by the Food Foundation found that in January 2025, 13.9% of households in the UK were ‘food insecure’ (ate less or went a day without eating because they couldn’t access or afford food).