I’m worried about being able to afford food for my family over the next few months. Can I use a food bank if I need to?
It’s understandable to be worried about affording food when you’re in a tough spot financially – especially over the Winter months when you’re likely to have higher energy costs. You’re not alone, and Citizens Advice helps lots of people in this position. Food banks are community organisations that can help if you can’t afford food, or if you need emergency food.
Within Winchester District, there are two main food banks – Winchester Basics Bank and Meon Valley Food Bank. If you are a Winchester or Alresford resident, you can refer yourself to the Winchester Basics Bank for food and clothing up to 4 times in a 12-month period. After 4 self-referrals, you can still receive help, but you will need to be referred through a referral agent. These referral agents include Citizens Advice Winchester District, Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council and Christians Against Poverty (CAP). Details of the Winchester Basics Bank food hubs and opening times can be found at www.winchesterbasicsbank.co.uk/find-us/
The Meon Valley Food Bank is based at Wickham Community Centre and doesn’t take any self-referrals, so you’ll need to be referred by one of their approved referral agencies. You can get a referral for yourself and any family members you live with, including your partner. Meon Valley Food Bank referral agencies include Citizens Advice Winchester District, Home-Start Hampshire, GPs and local health visitors, plus churches, schools and pre-schools.
In addition to the local food banks, there are also community pantries, which are aimed at supporting those in financial hardship, but there is no referral system. For a contribution of £5/6 you will receive goods worth approximately £15/20 (limited to one shop per week).
Our local community pantries are:
Open Monday (10am- 1pm), Tuesday (9:30- 11:30am), Thursday (10am- 2:30pm), Friday (7- 9pm) and Saturday (9:30 – 11:30am)
Open Monday- Wednesday, Friday (9:30am-12:30pm), Thursday (3- 6pm)
Open Tuesdays (1- 3pm, 6- 7:15pm) at Wickham Community Centre
