To qualify for help, clients will have to be referred to The Food Bank by registered Care Professional Groups, such as Health Visitors, Doctors Surgeries, Probation Service and Social Services.

These Referral Agencies issue Food Vouchers to those recognised as bona fide people in need of help from The Food Bank. In this way only those who are qualified by recognised need can benefit from the service. A maximum of three vouchers will be issued to individuals/families and this will give them a total of nine days supply. This is recognised as the maximum time normally required for other social benefits to take effect.

In addition to providing emergency food to families and individuals, The Food Bank also from time to time is able to support a number of Homes for the Elderly with food parcels. Many of our elderly citizens live out their retirement in some poverty and these donations have been a source of much gratitude from both residents and staff of these Homes.