Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the foodbank?

We have a central store on Duke Street near High Wycombe train station where volunteers sort donations and pack food parcels. Parcels are then distributed directly to clients via front line referral agencies e.g. social workers, or through our network of Hubs. The Hubs either distribute pre-packed bags or have a ‘shop’ setting where clients pack their own parcels. Some parcels are delivered straight to the client’s home. All clients have to be referred to be able to receive food.

What area do you cover?

We cover High Wycombe and the south bucks area – up to Princes Risborough and out to Beaconsfield

We want to donate - what kind of food do you need?

Please see our up-to-date shopping list for items we are currently in need of, and items we currently don’t need.

Where can I drop off donations of food?

Alongside a growing number of ‘shop n drop’ points at local supermarkets and shops, we have a number of drop off locations across the area we serve.

All of these are listed on our Foodbank collection points page. For larger donations, our main store is on Duke Street near High Wycombe train station. If you’d like to drop off directly the store is open 10am-12pm Tuesday – Friday and on Monday evenings 7pm-8.30pm but please contact us in advance so we can ensure someone is available to meet you, or to arrange to meet you at a convenient time.

Do you accept donations of fresh food?

We can take bread that is in date and a certain amount of other fresh vegetables and fruit. However, do call us to discuss your offer as we will think creatively about how we can best use your donation. We have a limited amount of freezer and fridge space and as we are not open 24/7 we cannot always pass on fresh food before it is best. We don’t want any food to go to waste. We have links with other local organisations that we might be able to put you in touch with who can use the food.

Who do you help?

We will give food parcels to anyone who finds themselves in a crisis situation and cannot provide food for themselves ans we will support them for as long as they are referred to us by our partner organisations. We never ‘stop supporting’ anyone who is referred to us.

All those who get a parcel from us are referred by our front line partner organisations who work with a wide range of people. They refer anyone to us they think can benefit from a short term, emergency food supply. Our partners are varied and include health visitors, the probation service and the police, the YMCA, refuge centres, the job centre, bereavement groups, young people’s charities and many more. We work in High Wycombe and South Bucks District, as far north as Penn, east as Denham, south as Marlow, west as Princes Risborough.

See our full list of partners here.

Please note, we no longer generally accept referrals from GPs at their request.

I need food – can you help me?

Our Foodbank works on a referral system, meaning one of our front line partners will need to assess your need then contact us on your behalf and request a parcel. You can also try speaking to the Bucks County Council Local Emergency Support team on 0845 505 1121. Our list of partners can downloaded here.

Who are your partners?

Our list of partners can downloaded here.

What is in a food parcel?

Our food parcels contain enough non-perishable ingredients to prepare three meals a day for a week for however many people it is requested for. Sometimes we can include other items such as household items (loo roll, washing up liquid, laundry powder), toiletries, nappies and baby milk formula. We provide recipe cards with our bags so recipients can make the food into balanced, nutritious meals. We also are able, when we have the food in store, to meet special dietary requirements.

How long does a food parcel last?

A standard parcel provides 3 meals a day for 5 days, an enhanced parcel provides 3 meals a day for 7 days.

What happens when my referral ends?

If there is still a need for food aid once your referral ends, ask your referrer to contact us. In some cases, we can extend your referral.

How are you funded?

We are funded in a number of ways, from the amazing generosity of individuals from the community, to fundraising events, churches and local organisations, to funding organisations and Bucks County Council.

Regular (monthly) gifts are incredibly important so we can make the foodbank sustainable and plan for future projects. Please consider making a regular donation: Find out more.

How do I donate money? Can I set up a direct debit?

Regular gifts of money are invaluable as they help us plan ahead, to make the project sustainable. We are also grateful for one off donations.

You can also Gift Aid your donations to us if you qualify. You can donate online, by bank transfer or send us a cheque. We can even accept cash donations.

Find out more on our Donate money page.

Do you sell or share my details with other charities and organisations?

No.

I'd love to volunteer for you. How do I do that?

We have a wide range of volunteer roles available. Find out more on our volunteer page. Please get in touch! We’d love you to join our team.

Can we come along for a day to the foodbank to help?

Yes! During busy times of the year, like our Harvest and Christmas Appeals and during and after food drives, we look for groups of volunteers to help us sort donations and staff stalls at supermarkets. If you are looking for an experience day we are likely to ask if you will run a food drive to collect food or money for us.

Contact us today!
Please note, because we operate a ‘dispersed food bank’ model and because of client confidentiality issues it isn’t always appropriate for non-regular volunteers to join the food parcel distribution operation but there are plenty of other ways to help!

Are you a charity?

Yes. Our registered charity number is 1148626. Our registered office address is The Hub, Union Baptist, Easton Street, High Wycombe, HP11 1NJ.