Food Bank Voucher: How to Get a Referral in the UK

Most food banks in the UK, including every Trussell food bank, ask for a food bank voucher before you can collect an emergency food parcel. You cannot buy one or print one yourself. A voucher (often called a referral) is issued by someone who already works with people in your situation, such as an adviser, a GP, a school or your local council.

This guide explains what a voucher is, who can issue one, what happens step by step, and what to do if you cannot reach a referrer.

Please note: foodbanks.co.uk is an independent directory of UK food banks. We do not issue vouchers, take referrals or hand out food. What we can do is help you find your nearest food bank and its contact details so you can ask about its own referral process.

What is a food bank voucher?

A food bank voucher is a short form, usually a paper slip or an emailed code, confirming that you are facing a genuine crisis. You take it to your local food bank, where it is exchanged for a food parcel, normally enough for around three days of meals for everyone in your household.

The system exists so food banks can prepare the right amount of food for the people coming in, and so whoever issues the voucher can also check you are getting the benefits and support you are entitled to.

Who can refer you to a food bank?

You do not need to know someone personally to get a referral. Any of the following can usually issue a voucher:

• Citizens Advice - call or visit your local branch, or use the national helpline
• Your GP, health visitor or midwife
• A social worker or housing officer
• Your child's school, often through a family support worker
• Your Jobcentre work coach, if you are waiting on a benefit payment
• Your local council, particularly its welfare or crisis support team
• Local charities, churches and community organisations that hold vouchers on behalf of the food bank

Whoever you speak to will ask a few questions about your situation and income. This is not a means test in the way benefits are; it is to work out what support will help most, because a voucher is often only part of what is on offer. Many referrers can also arrange debt advice, a benefits check, or help with fuel and rent at the same time.

The referral process, step by step

1. Find your nearest food bank. Search this directory by county or town and check the listing. Some food banks state on their own page whether a voucher is needed.
2. Check whether a voucher is required. Trussell food banks almost always need one. Many independent food banks, pantries and church projects do not. If the listing does not say, phone or email them and ask.
3. Contact a referral agency. Citizens Advice is usually the best starting point if you are not already in touch with a GP, school, council or support worker.
4. Have your details ready. Expect questions about who lives with you, your income and benefits, any dietary or medical needs, and what has caused the crisis.
5. Receive the voucher. It may be handed to you, posted, texted or emailed as a code. Some referrers send it straight to the food bank on your behalf.
6. Collect your parcel. Take the voucher or code to the food bank during its opening hours, which are shown on every listing in this directory. Bring a bag or trolley if you can.
7. Go back to your referrer. If money is still short after the parcel runs out, return to whoever referred you. They can look at benefits, grants or debt help so the same crisis does not repeat.

How many food parcels does one voucher cover?

A single voucher usually covers one visit, giving you around three days of food. Most food banks limit how many vouchers you can use in a row, often three within six months, before asking you to speak to your referrer again so they can check whether there is a longer-term problem that needs a different kind of help.

Can I use a food bank without a referral?

Yes, in some cases. Not every food bank runs on a voucher system. Many independent food banks, community pantries and church-run projects let you self-refer or simply turn up, sometimes for a small membership fee, sometimes for free. This is worth knowing if you need food urgently and cannot reach a referrer straight away.

If you are not sure whether your nearest food bank needs a voucher, the simplest thing is to contact them directly and ask. You can search by county to find contact details for food banks near you.

What if I don't know who to ask?

If you are not already in touch with any of the services above, Citizens Advice is usually the best place to start. In many areas they can issue a voucher themselves, or point you towards whoever holds vouchers locally. In an emergency, your local food bank can often tell you the quickest route to a referral in your area, even if it cannot issue one directly.

If you are waiting on a first Universal Credit payment, you may also be able to request an advance payment to bridge the gap. If you have no money for food at all right now, start here: No Money for Food? What to Do in the Next 48 Hours.

Needing a food bank is not a sign you have done anything wrong. The voucher system exists to make sure help gets to the right place quickly, not to put barriers in your way.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a food bank voucher online?

Not directly. Vouchers come from referral agencies rather than from a website, but many agencies, including Citizens Advice and some councils, can complete the referral over the phone or by email and send you an electronic voucher code.

Does foodbanks.co.uk issue food bank vouchers?

No. We are an independent directory listing food banks across the UK. We do not issue vouchers, hold referrals or distribute food; use our listings to contact your nearest food bank or a local referral agency.

How long is a food bank voucher valid for?

Most vouchers are valid for a limited period, commonly a few weeks from the date they are issued. If yours has expired, go back to the referrer and ask for a new one rather than turning up without it.

Is a food bank voucher means tested?

No. The referrer asks about your income and circumstances to understand your situation and offer wider help, but there is no formal means test to receive an emergency food parcel.

What should I take with me to the food bank?

Take your voucher or code, and let the food bank know about allergies, dietary needs or a lack of cooking facilities. Bags or a trolley help, as a parcel for a family can be heavy.