How The Foodbank Works

Providing emergency food to people in crisis.

Every day people in Weymouth go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. A simple package of food makes a big difference, with foodbanks helping ensure families do not go hungry and to prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems.

All of our services are carried out by volunteers, mainly from the churches in Weymouth.  We have no paid staff.  As a charity based on Christian values, we seek to make a difference by giving hope, love and practical assistance to clients in need. The services we offer are far more than food although this is an essential part of what we do.

FOOD AND MONEY IS DONATED

Churches, clubs, schools, businesses and individuals donate non-perishable, in-date food to the foodbank. Much of the food is collected at supermarkets and we are very grateful for their cooperation in providing trollies so food can be collected on our behalf.  Large collections often take place as part of Harvest Festival celebrations and one-off events at schools and clubs. All food is now delivered or collected and taken to our warehouse.  Some prefer to give money so that we can buy food where we have a shortfall.

FOOD IS SORTED AND STORED

We now have a warehouse (we call it The Hub) where food can be sorted and stored. Volunteers sort food to check that it’s in date and ensure it is stored in a way that ensures food is rotated and that the soonest best before dates are used first.  Food is supplied to the churches (we call them the satellites) in crates. At the satellites, the food is packed into bags ready to be given to people in need.

PROFESSIONALS IDENTIFY PEOPLE IN NEED

Foodbank partners with a wide range of care professionals agencies (such as First Point, The Lantern, Citizens Advice), doctors, health visitors, social workers and police to identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank referral number.

CLIENTS RECEIVE FOOD

Foodbank clients bring their referral number to a foodbank centre where it can be redeemed for approximately three days’ of food. Volunteers meet clients over a warm drink (in normal circumstances) and are able to signpost people to agencies or churches able to solve the longer-term problem.