Get Help
FAQs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions:
How do I obtain a foodbank voucher?
Vouchers are issued by various referral agnecies – from housing providers to local schools; churches to children’s centres. With over 250 referral agencies associated to Sparkhill Foodbank alone, coupled with the thoushands of other agencies within the Trussell Trust network, there are more and more ways to obtain a voucher if you are in need.
From 1st April 2022, Sparkhill Foodbank wil be returning to its pre-pandemic procedures; this means that every client who attends the foodbank must have a voucher issued by a Trussell Trust agency. For more information, please read the PDF:
Changes to Obtaining a Voucher
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 referral agency
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 you must have a foodbank voucher to receive help from the foodbank. There are over 250 referral agencies who can issue a voucher for Sparkhill foodabnk, and many more attached to other Trussell Trust foodbanks.
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, UHT milk, 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 them know when you arrive with your voucher. We can provide specific parcels for a range of needs including people with diabetes, gluten intolerance, vegetarians and halal. We will also endeavour to adapt your parcel to accommodate any food allergies you indicate. We do not ‘swap’ items, as our stock levels are not sufficient to accomodate this. Please also note that while it is okay to ensure specific dietary requirements are catered for, we are experiencing very high levles of demand, and need to process cleints as quickly and efficently as possible; therefore, please respect the fact that others may be queuing and waiting outside in bad weather
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
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. Please let the foodbank 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?
Please discuss this with the agency that refers you and they can get in touch with the foodbank directly to discuss this.
I wish to donate items to you; what do you need currently?
We are so grateful for donations to the Foodbank, as we are in constant need and demand. We happily accept any non-perishable items, but soem are more in need than others! We constantly update our donation needs here, so do check back regularly!