Get Help

FAQs

Here are answers to frequently asked questions:

Where is my nearest foodbank centre?

Witney & West Oxfordshire foodbank operates out of the Cottsway Housing Association offices. Please go to the Locations page to find the address and opening times of our foodbank centre. Please note you must have a Foodbank voucher to receive help from the foodbank. If you don’t have a voucher please go to the Get help page or Contact us to find out how to get a voucher.

What’s in a typical food parcel?

A typical food parcel contains a minimum of three 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 can also provide toiletries on request, if available.

Can the parcel be adapted to special dietary requirements?

Our foodbank can usually adapt your food parcel to suit your dietary needs. Just let them know when we call you or you arrive with your voucher. We can provide specific parcels for a range of needs including people with diabetes, gluten intolerance, vegetarians, vegans and halal. We will also endeavour to adapt your parcel to accommodate any food allergies you indicate.

Will the food parcel cater for my whole family?

Our foodbank will adapt your food parcel according to the number of adults and children indicated on your voucher. They will also endeavour to provide foods that are age appropriate and in suitable quantities for your children. We can offer baby foods, but not baby milk.

I have a baby, can you help with supplies of nappies and baby food?

Our foodbank usually carries a small stock of nappies and baby foods, which we can add to your parcel. Please let us know when you arrive if you need additional items for your baby. We can also put you in contact with Witney Baby Bank who can provide you with more. They can also supply home delivered sanitary wear for parents too.

What if I can’t get to the foodbank centre?

We are able to offer deliveries to those in need. If you have mobility needs or are unwell, please let your referral agency know and also tell us when we ring you and we will arrange a delivery for you.

Are we open on bank holidays?

No. Our operating hours are scheduled based on need locally. It is standard practice for us to be closed on a bank holiday when most referral organisations are also closed. As a charity, we are heavily reliant on a team of incredible volunteers.
We know these things sometimes cannot be predicted, if you think you may be in need of parcel over a bank holiday, get in touch as soon as possible.

How does my organisation make a referral to the foodbank?

Our foodbank works with a range of local agencies who meet people at risk of going hungry. Citizens Advice, children’s centres and health visitors are just some of those who can make refer people to our foodbank by issuing them with a foodbank voucher. If you think that your organisation could help people by referring them to our foodbank, please get in touch with us to discuss becoming a registered voucher holder.

 

Back to Get Help