Poole Food Bank

Opening the fridge or cupboard door to find that there is nothing to eat (and no money in the purse to go and buy anything) is not an experience most people in the UK expect to go through.  Yet statistics suggest that many people are only one pay – or benefit – cheque away from just this situation.

Poole Food Bank has been set up to help at this critical point by providing an emergency food parcel containing enough food for three days, as well as a listening ear to talk about the problem and identify possible sources of help.  While this may not seem a lot, it can be enough to break the sense of despair and encourage people to find a way out of their difficult situation.

Food is donated by churches, individuals, workplace groups, local voluntary organisations, schools etc and taken to the warehouse, where volunteers sort it into date order, ready for distribution.  If you would like to donate food, please see the shopping list of preferred items by clicking here.

Poole Food Bank is currently open Wednesdays to Fridays, 10 am to 2 pm, for emergency food parcels to be collected.  Local churches also act as distribution points, to help those who would find it difficult to get to a central location. 

To ensure that the food only goes to those in genuine need, anyone going to Poole Food Bank for help needs a voucher, filled in by the person or organisation referring them.  These are currently held by churches, social services, health professionals, tenancy support staff etc.

Poole Food Bank has been created by Longfleet United Reformed Church, in partnership with Faithworks Wessex, and is run almost entirely by volunteers.  To find out more, contact 01202 669566 or email