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How foodbanks work
Providing emergency food to people in crisis.
Every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. A simple box of food makes a big difference, with foodbanks helping prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems.
Food is donated
Schools, churches, businesses and individuals donate non-perishable, in-date food to a foodbank. Large collections often take place as part of Harvest Festival celebrations and food is also collected at supermarkets.
Food is sorted and stored
Volunteers sort food to check that it’s in date, it’s then stored by date and when needed made into parcels ready to be given to people. We have over 50 volunteers who donate their time, expertise and skills to us.
Professionals identify people in need
We have over 100 support agencies from different charities, the NHS and East Lothian Council who can identify people who need our support and refer them to us.
Clients receive food
Foodbank clients are contacted when a referral is received and given a parcel of three days’ emergency food and we are able to signpost people to agencies able to solve the longer-term problem.