Learn More About Us?
What is a Food Bank, Who are We and What Drives Us.
What is a Food Bank, Who are We and What Drives Us?
Food Crisis Support
Washington Community Food Project is a food bank. A food bank is a charity placed in communities to support families and individuals who may be experiencing a crisis or hardship which results in food insecurity. A food bank is different from a soup kitchen or community kitchen in that it provides clients with a parcel of food – mainly non-perishable items to take home rather than a cooked meal. WCFP also provides toiletries and washing detergent when available, and due to networks we have in the community we also provide fresh food and produce when available. We can also provide advice and signposting drawing on the local knowledge of our volunteers.
How does a Food Bank Work?
Like many other food banks, WCFP operates using a referral system. We receive the referrals from a number of local partners who we work closely with to ensure we are providing appropriate support. Once we have received a referral from a partner, clients can collect their food whenever they can during our open hours. When clients come in, we briefly discuss their referral with them for example how many weeks of support will be provided. Where possible we will provide signposting to other support agencies.
Generally, our food parcels are standardised based on family size. As we are completely dependent on food and monetary donations, however, we can only provide food that we have available – so no item in the parcel is ever guaranteed – it is availability dependent. We strive to provide a variety of food. We do our best to accommodate dietary requirements or preferences, but again this is dependent on availability.
Volunteer Interest
If you are interested in volunteering for us, please submit your interest here. We will contact you to discuss how you can help.
Our Team
WCFP is run by volunteers from Washington and further afield. Our volunteers have a number of different roles, for example those who the clients will see when they collect their parcel, but also a further dedicated team who collect food and donations, those who organise the stock, and those who work tirelessly in the background so WCFP can continue to support its community.
We volunteer at WCFP because we want to help you – so please feel free to have a chat with us. Our volunteers are from all walks of life and experience. You can spot us in the green t-shirts often pushing trolleys through the Galleries.
Our Trustees
WCFP is run by a board of 10 Trustees. The Trustees take on a number of different roles for example accounts, volunteers, and policies. The Trustees meet regularly to ensure WCFP is making the right decisions for its clients and community.
What Motivates Us?
We are driven by a shared passion to support those who are experiencing crisis, hardship, or fallen on hard times. We are non-judgemental and do not discriminate. We understand that anyone could find themselves in a difficult situation in need of short-term help. WCFP has grown significantly over the years but has remained commited to its values of compassion, integrity, and inclusion.
How We Work
We want to make the experience of using our service and accessing a vital food parcel, to be as easy and nice as possible.
- You will be welcomed by one of our friendly volunteers. We have refreshments available while you are waiting, or want to have a sit down.
- One of our volunteers will have a private conversation with you about the local support available to you if relevant, and also about any dietary requirements. If appropriate, our volunteers can signpost you to further support services such as welfare advice or help with wellbeing.
Once referral partners are set up with us, they will fill in a form on your behalf and send it through to us. As soon as we have received this you can collect your food