Money, Debt and Benefits Help Centre

Food Bank Referrals

Many food banks use a referral system to help ensure support reaches people who are experiencing genuine financial hardship.

A food bank referral is usually provided by an organisation or professional who has discussed your circumstances with you and identified that you may benefit from emergency food support.

If you are struggling to afford food, understanding how referrals work can help you access support more quickly.

Food bank referrals are handled confidentially and staff understand that people may need support for many different reasons, including illness, benefit delays, rising household costs or unexpected financial emergencies.

What Is A Food Bank Referral?

A food bank referral is a voucher, code or recommendation that allows you to access support from a food bank.

The referral helps the food bank understand:

Your household size.
Your immediate needs.
Any dietary requirements.
The circumstances that have led to financial hardship.

Many food banks use referrals to ensure people receive the right support and can be signposted to additional services where appropriate.

Who Can Provide A Food Bank Referral?

Food bank referrals can often be provided by:

Citizens Advice
Local councils
Housing associations
GP surgeries
Health professionals
Support workers
Schools and colleges
Social workers
Charities and community organisations

In Gloucestershire, Citizens Advice is one of the main referral partners for Gloucester Foodbank, helping people access emergency food support when they are experiencing financial hardship.

How Do I Get A Food Bank Referral?

Contact Citizens Advice

In Gloucestershire, Citizens Advice is one of the main referral partners for Gloucester Foodbank. If you are struggling to afford food, an advisor can discuss your circumstances, arrange a food bank referral where appropriate, and identify any additional support that may be available, including benefits, debt advice and emergency financial assistance.

Contact An Advice Organisation

Many local advice services can discuss your situation and help arrange a referral if appropriate.

Speak To Your Housing Provider

If you rent your home, your landlord or housing support team may be able to help.

Contact Your Local Council

Local councils often work with food banks and emergency support providers.

Speak To A Health Professional

GP surgeries, health visitors and other medical professionals may be able to signpost or refer you to support services.

What Information Will I Need To Provide?

You may be asked about:

Your income.
Household members.
Benefits you receive.
Current financial difficulties.
Dietary requirements.
Any immediate support needs.

This information helps ensure you receive the most appropriate support.

When Should I Ask For A Referral?

You should seek support as soon as you begin struggling to afford food rather than waiting until you have completely run out of food or money.

Early support can help prevent financial difficulties from becoming more serious and may provide access to additional advice and assistance, including benefits checks, debt advice and emergency financial support.

What Happens After I Receive A Referral?

Once a referral has been made:

You may receive a voucher or referral code.
Details will be sent to the food bank.
You will be advised how and where to collect your food parcel.
You may be signposted to additional support services.

In Gloucester, referrals are typically distributed through Gloucester Foodbank, part of the Trussell Trust network, which provides emergency food parcels and signposting to wider support services.

Can I Get More Than One Food Bank Referral?

This depends on your circumstances and the policies of the food bank.

Food banks are intended to provide short-term emergency support while longer-term solutions are explored.

If you continue to experience financial difficulties, it may be helpful to seek advice about:

Benefits.
Debt management.
Budgeting.
Grant schemes.
Other forms of assistance.

What If There Isn't A Food Bank Near Me?

Alternative support may be available through:

Community pantries.
Community fridges.
Local charities.
Faith groups.
Local Welfare Support Schemes.
Household Support Fund programmes.

An advisor may be able to help identify available support in your area.

Additional Support Available Through Referrals

Many organisations that provide food bank referrals can also help with:

Benefits checks.
Debt advice.
Housing support.
Energy bill assistance.
Emergency grants.
Budgeting support.

Addressing the cause of financial difficulties can help improve long-term financial stability.

Tips For Accessing Support

✅ Seek help as early as possible
✅ Be honest about your circumstances
✅ Check whether you're receiving all available benefits
✅ Ask about additional support services
✅ Keep any referral information safe
✅ Seek advice if your difficulties continue

Common Myths About Food Bank Referrals

"I Should Wait Until I Have No Food Left"

It's often better to seek help before your situation becomes critical.

"Only People Receiving Benefits Can Get A Referral"

People experiencing financial hardship for many different reasons may be eligible for support.

"Getting A Referral Means I've Failed"

Food banks are there to help people through difficult circumstances and unexpected challenges.

"Food Banks Can Only Help With Food"

Many food banks and referral agencies can signpost people to a wide range of support services.

Need Help?

Our advisors can help you:

Access food bank referrals.
Check your benefit entitlement.
Apply for emergency financial assistance.
Create a realistic household budget.
Explore grants, support schemes and other sources of help.

Contact our team for free, confidential advice and support.

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