How Often Can I Use a Food Bank?

With the current economic climate, the the question we hear a lot is ‘How often can I use a foodbank?’. The frequency with which you can use a foodbank in the UK depends on the specific foodbank’s policies and your individual circumstances. Foodbanks are designed to provide emergency assistance and are not intended to be a long-term solution to food insecurity. However, here’s a breakdown of what you can generally expect:

Referral-Based Use

Most foodbanks require a referral for each visit. This means:

• You’ll need to obtain a new referral each time you need food assistance.
• Referral agencies assess your situation and decide whether another foodbank visit is appropriate.

For example, a typical foodbank visit provides enough food for three days. If your situation remains unresolved, you can ask for additional referrals to meet your ongoing needs.

Limits on Usage

Many foodbanks have a cap on how often you can use their services within a certain time period, such as:

• Three visits in six months: This is a common limit set by many foodbanks.
• Some may allow more visits if your situation is particularly severe, but they often encourage you to seek further support to address the root causes of your crisis.

These limits exist to ensure resources are available for everyone who needs them.

Exceptions to the Rules

Some foodbanks may waive restrictions on usage in certain situations, such as:

• If you have no other means of accessing food.
• If you are in a prolonged crisis and working with support services to improve your circumstances.

Contact the foodbank or referral agency to ask how often can I use a Foodbank and explain your situation if you feel you need more frequent assistance.

Support Beyond Food

Many foodbanks offer additional services, such as:

• Debt advice
• Budgeting support
• Guidance on benefits and employment These resources aim to help you resolve your financial difficulties and reduce the need for repeated foodbank use.

Independent Foodbanks

Independent foodbanks may have more flexible rules compared to those in larger networks. Some may allow walk-ins or repeat visits without strict limits, depending on their resources.

What to Do If You Need Ongoing Support

If you find yourself relying on a foodbank frequently, it’s important to seek additional help. Organisations like Citizens Advice, local councils, and community groups can help you access:

• Emergency financial support
• Benefits or hardship grants
• Housing or utility assistance

How Often Can I Use a Foodbank? In most cases, foodbanks limit the number of times you can use their services within a set period, often around three times in six months. However, exceptions can be made for those in ongoing crisis. If you’re unsure, check with the foodbank or your referral agency to understand the rules and explore additional support to improve your long-term situation.

Did you have another question about food banks? See all our FAQs.