How our food bank works

What is a food bank?

Food banks provide emergency food and practical support to people who have been left without enough money to live on.  

People will receive emotional support, and a reminder that they are not alone and someone understands. Our volunteers offer a friendly face and basic kindness. For many people, it’s the first time someone has sat down and listened to them - without the pressure of us being a statutory service.

Recipients at Gorleston Foodbank also receive practical help to enable them to move out of the crisis of hunger and hardship.  They receive signposting advice and ongoing case support, enabling them to be introduced to relevant services whether external or onsite.   But they also receive debt, budgeting and benefits advice through our onsite provision by Great Yarmouth Dial.  Wellbeing support is also offered along with access to the numerous community groups and volunteering opportunities on site at St Mary Magdalene.

This integrated approach means we see many lifted out of crisis, set on a new path and given hope for the future.

What is a food voucher?

A food voucher is required to get help from a food bank. Community organisations such as housing associations, GPs and advice charities can provide an online referral for a food voucher, which is then automatically received by Gorleston Foodbank online so we can prepare the food parcel.

Find out how and where to get a food voucher

More than food

We offer holistic support and advice to people, often at their toughest moment.  We ensure each person is warmly greeted by our Foodbank Welcomer who helps them to understand what to expect and ensure they receive a cup of tea and initial emotional support.  They will then meet our Community Support Coordinator who will make personal arrangements for their parcel, offer signposting advice and be there for ongoing support.  They will also have the opportunity to meet our Great Yarmouth Dial worker for debt, budgeting and benefits support.  Our Welcomer will also ensure they are introduced to the various opportunities to join community groups or to volunteer.  For many this can provide a step out of isolation and hopelessness.

This wraparound approach of Gorleston Foodbank, integrated with the wider community work of St Mary Magdalene church, connects people and provides a path forwards, making it far less likely they will need a food bank in the future. 

Who runs food banks?

Gorleston Foodbank is run for the local community by the local community at St Mary Magdalene Church Gorleston. From trustees through to volunteers, our team is made up of local people committed to providing support across the area.

Our food bank, being part of St Mary Magdalene church, is an independent charity, with an independent board of trustees.