Foodbank

Highbridge Area Foodbank is a project founded in 2012 by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in Highbridge, burnham and the surrounding areas.

Every day UK people go hungry for a variety of reasons. A simple bag of food makes a big difference, with Foodbanks helping to prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems. That’s why the Foodbank provides three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis. They are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

• In 2021 2749 people were given 3 day food parcels representing 24,741 meals
• 35.8 tonnes of food donated in the year

Donations

Donations of non-perishable, in-date food are always needed by the Foodbank. Please look on their website to see what is particularly needed. 

There are donation baskets in each of our churches. Alternatively there are a number of donation points:

• Burnham Methodist Church - College St, Burnham-on-Sea Tuesday 10-12 & Sat 10-12
• Burnham Tesco
• Highbridge Asda

To donate financially by Standing order use Lloyds Bank, Highbridge Area Foodbank Account Sort Code: 30-97-77  Account No: 23735360

Referrals

If you need help from the foodbank there are a few simple steps to follow.

THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IS TO GET A FOODBANK VOUCHER.

In order to provide the most appropriate help for the circumstances of your situation the Foodbank works with local agencies. If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank voucher. The local agency can also provide long term support if needed to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis. Agencies they work with include: Citizens Advice, housing support officers, children’s centres, health visitors, social services and some local charities.

1. Get in touch with the Foodbank

If you call the foodbank on 07570 707400 they can talk through your situation and put you in touch with a relevant local agency.

2. Arrange a visit to the referral agency

They will discuss your situation and supply you with a foodbank voucher where appropriate.

If you are in financial crisis and live in England or Wales, please call 0808 208 2138 for free (open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) to talk confidentially with a trained Citizens Advice adviser. They can help address your crises and provide support to maximise your income, help you navigate the benefits system, and identify any additional grants you could be entitled to. If needed, they’ll issue you with a voucher so you can get an emergency food parcel from your local food bank.

Alternatively, please call 03444 889 623 to speak to Citizens Advice Bridgwater who will be able to issue you with a food bank voucher if necessary.

3. Take your voucher to the Foodbank 

Take the voucher to one of the foodbank locations:

• Hope Baptist Church, Church Street, Highbridge - 9.30-noon Thursdays
• Burnham Methodist Church, College Street, Burnham-on-Sea 10.00-noon Tuesdays and Saturdays

When you arrive, we’ll welcome you with a warm drink and the trained volunteers will chat with you about your situation. They’ll also discuss any dietary needs you may have and exchange your foodbank voucher for a parcel of three days of emergency food. They’ll also help to support you in any other ways that they can.