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FAQs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions:
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.
Where is my nearest foodbank centre?
Please go to the locations page to find the address and opening times of each of our foodbank centres. Please note you must have a foodbank voucher to receive help from the foodbank. If you don’t have a voucher please 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.
Where can I get fresh food?
Merton Community Fridge offers fresh food (after Best Before Date, but before Use By date) donated by supermarkets, local food growers and residents free of charge without any need for a voucher at this location:
Morden Baptist Church, Crown Lane SM4 5BL on Mondays 4.30 to 5.30 pm, Wednesdays 4.30 to 5.30 pm and Thursdays 1.30 to 2.30 pm.
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 you arrive with your voucher. We can provide specific parcels for a range of needs including people with diabetes, gluten intolerance and vegetarians. We will also endeavour to adapt your parcel to accommodate any food allergies you indicate.
What about Halal foods?
For Halal foods please contact Food Relief Saturday Food Bank which operates under the charity Morden Islamic Community Centre. It is open on Saturdays between 11 am and 1 pm at 116 London Road SM4 5AX (just behind Merton Civic Centre.)
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.
I have a baby, can you help with supplies of nappies and baby food?
We have a sister charity Merton Grow Baby which offers second hand clothing and equipment for children aged from birth to five years old. You can self-refer to this sevice, visit Mertongrowbaby.co.uk
What if I can’t get to the foodbank centre?
Unfortunately we only have limited transport facilities. This means our foodbank can deliver your food parcel to your home only if you have severe mobility diffiuculties or are unwell. Please discuss this with the agency that refers you and get in touch with the foodbank directly to discuss this.