Needed Mar 2024: Tinned Meat Meals, Fruit Juice, Jars of Pasta Sauce, Long Life Milk, Sponge Pudding, Tinned Fruit, Carrier Bags. Thank you. 

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FAQs

Here are answers to frequently asked questions:

How does my organisation make a referral to the foodbank?

Our foodbank works with a range of local agencies who meet people at risk of going hungry. Citizens Advice, children’s centres and health visitors are just some of those who can make refer people to our foodbank by issuing them with a foodbank voucher. If you think that your organisation could help people by referring them to our foodbank, please get in touch with us to discuss becoming a registered E-Referral partner.

Where is my nearest foodbank centre?

Please go to the locations page to find the address and opening times of each of our foodbank centres. Please note: Dunstable Foodbank works on a referral system and therefore you will need a foodbank voucher (red paper voucher, or E-Voucher code) from a referral agency that can be redeemed for a food parcel at one of our centres. If you don’t have a voucher, please contact one of our main referral partners who can offer you help and support for your financial situation as well as referring you to us with a foodbank voucher.

What’s in a typical food parcel?

A typical food parcel contains a minimum of three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable, tinned and dried foods that have been donated by the local community. A typical food parcel includes: breakfast cereal, soup, pasta, rice, pasta sauce, baked beans, tinned meat, tinned vegetables, instant mash, UHT milk, Long-life juice, tea/coffee, tinned dessert and biscuits. Some foodbanks also provide fresh produce if they are able to.

Can the parcel be adapted to special dietary requirements?

Our foodbank can usually adapt your food parcel to suit your dietary needs. Just let one of the team know when you arrive with your voucher / E-voucher code. We will do our best to provide specific parcels for a range of needs including people with diabetes, gluten intolerance, vegetarians and vegans. Where possible, we will also endeavour to adapt your parcel to accommodate any food allergies you indicate.

Will the food parcel cater for my whole family?

Our foodbank will adapt your food parcel according to the number of adults and children indicated on your voucher. They will also endeavour to provide foods that are age appropriate and in suitable quantities for your children. We can sometimes offer baby foods, but not SMA milk.

I have a baby, can you help with supplies of nappies and baby food?

Our foodbank usually carries a small stock of nappies and baby foods, which we can add to your
parcel if available. The availability of these products is based on donations we receive from the local community so we can not guarantee we will have any in stock, however, please let the volunteers know when you arrive if you need additional items for your baby. We will also signpost you to local provision of further support where possible.

What if I can’t get to the foodbank centre?

If you are unable to collect your food parcel yourself, it may be possible for a relative or friend to
collect the parcel on your behalf by bringing your voucher or E-Voucher code to one of our centres. Alternatively, the agency that has referred you may be able to collect the food on your behalf. There are also local Good Neighbours networks who may be able to support you with a collection and delivery of your food parcel – details for your local Good Neighbours team can be found here.

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