Vouchers
Our foodbank works using a voucher e-referral system. Find out more about how we work.
We know that anyone can find themselves at crisis point for a number of different reasons.
In order to provide the most appropriate help for the circumstances of your situation we work with local agencies. If you are struggling to put food on the table, they can issue you with a foodbank voucher. We hope that your referral agency will also be able to provide further support to help if required.
Why is there a voucher referral system?
This system is all about making sure that people are receiving the right support a the right time:
| Exeter City Council Benefits & Welfare | 01392 277888 |
| Exeter Citizen’s Advice | 0808 2787845 |
| Christians Against Poverty | 0800 328 0006 |
| East Devon District Council | 01395 517446 |
| Exeter Colab (9.30am-1pm & 2-4pm) | 01392 202055 |
| Help through Hardship (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) Free phone line where you can talk to a trained Citizens Advice Adviser | 0808 2082138 |
Also, most local schools can issue vouchers to families.
Our foodbank works with a number of different agencies, such as Citizens Advice, Exeter City Council, children’s centres and health visitors. To find out more about the agencies that hold our vouchers and how you can get help, please contact us.
When you visit a referral agency they will take some basic details from you to complete the voucher. This will help them to identify the cause of your crisis and offer practical guidance. It also means we are able to prepare suitable emergency food for the right number of people.
Once you have been issued with a voucher or e-referral code, you can exchange this for a minimum of three days of emergency food at your nearest foodbank centre.
If you have children aged 0-4 or are pregnant, you may also be eligible for NHS Healthy Start vouchers. With Healthy Start, you get free vouchers every week to spend on milk, fruit, vegetables, and infant formula milk. You can also get free vitamins. Please see here for details.
If you are a referral agency and would like to become a registered voucher holder for our foodbank, please contact us to find out more.