How to get food

At Bow Foodbank, we operate an open-door policy offering emergency help especially for people who may not meet the criteria for other food banks.

We do not ask for vouchers or referrals. All you need to do is come to the session – we do not turn people away empty-handed when they first come to register with us.

If you’re registering with us for the first time, please arrive 30-45 minutes before the end of the session so we can complete the registration process. Registering allows us to keep track of the number of visitors and helps us plan ahead. We do not share any personal data with people outside of the charity without permission or unless you need advice or want a referral. If you’ve visited us before, we will ask for your full name, postcode and either your telephone number or date of birth so we can locate you in our database.

So that we can provide something to everyone who asks for help, we can only offer a limited number of items, about three to four days’ worth of food for a small family. For children living with you, we can offer some extra items in addition to the main bag.

• If you are in crisis, you can just turn up to a session, no referral is needed. We do not ask for ID and registration is very basic – we ask for your name, address and a few details, including why you need to access the Foodbank. We also ask for the number of children (under 18) being looked after at home.
• There is a limit of 3 emergency visits per person, which applies to everyone. Clients who live in Tower Hamlets can bring a form of ID to show proof of their address and receive a total of 12 visits. Those from outside the borough can be supported to access local food services in their area.
• We provide each adult with a set number of items and a small extra bag for their children. It is important that all clients come to the session in person.
• We are not able to offer home deliveries.
• We don’t allow others to pick up food on someone’s behalf unless they have a disability and require a reasonable adjustment. We will give you a form.
• If you are self-isolating or unable to get to a session, you can call or WhatsApp us on 07930 015973 or email communitynetwork@bowfoodbank.org We will allow a friend, neighbour or volunteer (e.g. from a mutual aid group in your neighbourhood) to collect for you but only if there are genuine extenuating circumstances out of your control. They will need to give your details. They will need to wait in the queue the same as other visitors.