Welcome to Tamworth Foodbank, a beacon of hope and support in our community.
Established in the early 2000s in partnership with the Trussell Trust, Tamworth Foodbank has been dedicated to providing emergency food supplies to individuals and families in crisis. Our mission goes beyond just alleviating hunger; we strive to offer a compassionate hand and a listening ear to those facing difficult times. By connecting with local organizations, businesses, and volunteers, we ensure that those in need receive not only essential nourishment but also guidance and support to help them navigate through their challenges. At Tamworth Foodbank, we believe in the power of community and the importance of dignity and respect for all. Join us in our efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbours.
Tamworth Foodbank operates as a vital support system for individuals and families facing food insecurity in our community. Here’s how it works:
- Referrals: People in need of emergency food support are referred to us by a network of frontline professionals, including doctors, social workers, and Citizens Advice. These professionals identify those in crisis and provide them with a foodbank voucher.
- Voucher Redemption: Individuals bring their voucher to the foodbank during our operating hours. Our friendly volunteers greet them and ensure their privacy and dignity throughout the process.
- Food Parcels: Each voucher is exchanged for a nutritionally balanced food parcel, designed to last for at least three days. The parcels include a variety of items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and other essentials, tailored to the recipient’s dietary needs and preferences.
- Additional Support: Beyond providing food, our volunteers offer a listening ear and can guide individuals towards further assistance. This may include information on other local services and support networks, such as debt advice, housing support, and mental health services.
- Community Engagement: Tamworth Foodbank relies on the generosity of the local community. We receive donations from individuals, schools, businesses, and faith groups. Regular food drives and fundraising events help keep our shelves stocked and our services running.
- Partnerships: We work closely with other local charities and organizations, such as the Trussell Trust, to ensure comprehensive support for those in need. Our partnerships help us address the root causes of poverty and offer more holistic assistance.
Through this structured and compassionate approach, Tamworth Foodbank not only addresses immediate hunger but also contributes to the long-term well-being and stability of our community members.
HOW TO GET HELP
1. GET A FOODBANK VOUCHER.
In order to provide the most appropriate help for the circumstances of your situation we work with local agencies. If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank voucher. The local agency can also provide long-term support if needed to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis. Agencies we work with include Citizens Advice, housing support officers, children’s centres, health visitors, social services and other local charities. You can call us at 01827 302436 or email us at emma@themannahouse.co.uk if you are unsure where to get a Foodbank voucher.
2. ARRANGE A VISIT TO THE REFERRAL AGENCY.
They will discuss your situation and supply you with a foodbank voucher where appropriate. If you are in a financial crisis and live in England or Wales, please call 0808 2082138 for free (open Monday to Friday, 9 am-5 pm) to talk confidentially with a trained Citizens Advice adviser. They can help address your crises and provide support to maximise your income, help you navigate the benefits system, and identify any additional grants you could be entitled to. If needed, they’ll issue you with a voucher so you can get an emergency food parcel from your local food bank.
3. BRING YOUR FOODBANK VOUCHER TO THE FOODBANK.
Tamworth Foodbank runs from The Manna House (258-264 Glascote Rd. B77 2AY) Monday, Wednesday & Friday between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm and St Andrew’s Church (Thackeray Drive B79 8HY) Thursday between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Upon arrival, your foodbank voucher or code will be exchanged for three days of emergency food. We want to make sure that we give you the right food to meet your needs, so please do let our volunteers know if you have any special dietary requirements or allergies, for example, gluten-free, halal or vegetarian.
While your food parcel is being prepared, a volunteer will offer you a drink and will also be available if you would like to talk. Your food parcel will be packed into supermarket carrier bags. If you prefer to bring your own bags those can be used instead. Foodbank volunteers take the time to listen and support you. They are specially trained to know about local services and offer practical guidance so that you have access to the right support, helping you to break out of crisis.
You will also be able to speak to one of our MORE THAN FOOD team members who can help with money management, debt, budgeting, grants, funds, benefit applications, access to on-site Citizens Advice and more. If none of our team is available the Foodbank volunteers can arrange a follow-up phone call.
