Health Advice from Alfi - Autumn / Winter 2014 Autumn / Winter | Page 12

Who Can Use a Food Bank?

Where Can I Find My Local Food Bank?

There are a number of food banks in Cornwall
which can supply groceries to those in financial
need. You will need to be referred to a food bank
by a care professional, such as a doctor, social
worker, police officer or health visitor. You can also
be referred by someone from the Citizens Advice
Bureau. Once you have been referred, you will be
given a voucher to take to a food bank in your area.
The voucher can then be redeemed for enough
food to last three days. The food you will receive
will depend on stock and the policy of your local
food bank but might include tinned meat, fish,
vegetables, fruit, soup, sugar, pasta and snacks.

You can find a list of food banks in Cornwall
on the Cornwall Works website by visiting
www.bit.ly/foodbanks-cornwall, including opening
hours, contact phone numbers and email addresses
of members of staff who work there. There are food
banks located in major towns in the county, as
well as in more rural areas. Some food banks are in
close proximity to bus stops, making them easily
accessible if you rely on public transport. Many
food banks in Cornwall are run by the Trussell Trust,
although there are other independent food banks
as well. For more information on the work that the
Trussell Trust carries out, visit www.trusselltrust.org

What Other Services Does a
Food Bank Provide?

How Can I Donate to a Food Bank?

Even if you don't need to use a food bank, there
As well as receiving grocery items, staff at a food
are plenty of ways you can help those who are less
bank can also provide you with help and support,
fortunate than yourself. You can donate food to your
and may be able to provide you with a hot meal.
local food bank, even if it's something as small as a
Staff can refer you to a charity or agency so that you tin of soup or packet of rice. You can call your local
can solve your financial problems and get back on
food bank to find what items they need the most,
track. If you are in financial need, and don't have
and how to donate food items to a member of staff.
enough money for food, you might want to make an Some food banks are understaffed, and are looking
appointment with your local Citizens