How to get help
If you need help from our foodbank there are a few simple steps to follow.
The most important step is to get a foodbank voucher.
1. Get in touch with us.
If you call or email our foodbank we can talk through your situation and put you in touch with a relevant local agency.
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 refer you to the foodbank via our electronic voucher system. 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 some local charities.
2. Phone your referral agent
You will need to phone your referral agency if you know it, or approach one of our many agencies listed above.
If you fulfil the criteria, they will advise us of your details via our E-voucher system.
Once we have received those, you can come to the Taunton Foodbank any weekday morning between 1000-1200.
If you are a Wellington client, then you can collect from our Wellington hub at the United Reform Church on Mondays and Thursdays between 1330-1430. Please note we DO NOT DELIVER except under very exceptional circumstances.
Please note that, as usual, we will only issue one box per referral so if you need more you will have to be referred again.
If you are in financial crisis and live in England or Wales, please call 0808 2082138 for free (open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) 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.
Alternatively, please call to speak to Somerset County Council 03001232224 who will be able to issue you with a food bank voucher if necessary.
If you have any further questions our FAQ’s page may help, or feel free to give us a call.
The Foodbank closes promptly at 1200 and does not open until the following morning. There may sometimes be training sessions happening in the afternoon but that is very rare.
Clients are once more welcomed into the distribution room for a chat and a cup of tea/coffee.