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FAQs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions:
How does my organisation make a referral to the food bank?
Local agencies can use Uttlesford Frontline to refer people to the food bank. Once registered it is easy to refer people. Once the referral has gone through we will pick it up and contact your client to arrange provision of their food parcel. If you have any questions about how it works please contact us.
Where is my nearest food bank hub?
Collection is only available at our Saffron Walden warehouse (Please go to the locations page to find the address and opening times), all other hubs are delivery only. We will contact you upon receipt of your referral to arrange either delivery or collection of your parcel. Please note you must have been referred to receive help from the food bank. If you need emergency help and haven’t been referred please call us and we can talk you through the process.
What’s in a typical food parcel?
A typical food parcel contains a minimum of five days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable, tinned and dried foods that have been donated by the local community. A typical food parcel includes: breakfast cereal, soup, pasta, rice, pasta sauce, baked beans, tinned meat, tinned vegetables, instant mash, UHT milk, tea, coffee, sugar, tinned dessert and biscuits. We will also supply baby items and pet food if they are required.
Can the parcel be adapted to special dietary requirements?
Our food bank can usually adapt your food parcel to suit your dietary needs. When you are being referred let them know and they can make a note of it. We can provide specific parcels for a range of needs including people with diabetes, gluten intolerance, vegetarians and halal. We will also endeavour to adapt your parcel to accommodate any food allergies you indicate. We can also make microwave only parcels.
Will the food parcel cater for my whole family?
Our food bank will adapt your food parcel according to the number of adults and children indicated on your referral. They will also endeavour to provide foods that are age appropriate and in suitable quantities for your children. We can sometimes offer baby foods, but not SMA milk.
I have a baby, can you help with supplies of nappies and baby food?
Our food bank usually carries a small stock of nappies and baby foods, which we can add to your parcel. Please let the food bank know when you arrive if you need additional items for your baby. We will also signpost you to local provision of further support where possible.
We are unable to provide formula as we follow the UNICEF guidelines for the provision of formula milk, but if you have a formula fed baby in the household please do mention this when we call you and we can look into alternative arrangements.
How often can I receive an emergency food parcel?
There is no hard and fast rule other than that we need a clear 2 week window between food parcels. We do become concerned that you may not be receiving appropriate support if you are using the food bank regularly. In these situations we would discuss your circumstances in greater detail and ensure that you are connected (by way of referral and/or signposting) to the right organisations to support you out of your crisis.
What if I can’t get to the food bank?
Our food bank can deliver to you if you’re unable to visit our Saffron Walden Warehouse to collect. We will arrange this when we contact you upon receiving your referral.
We deliver on the following days:
Saffron Walden and surrounding villages – Monday, Wednesday and Friday (referrals to be received by 12:30pm for same day delivery).
Stansted, Dunmow, Takeley and surrounding villages, Monday – Friday (referrals to be received by 1:30pm for same day delivery).