How We Help

Emergency Food Parcels

We provide nutritionally balanced food parcels to individuals and families across the Bassetlaw district who are experiencing crisis situations such as benefit delays, unexpected bills, illness, or redundancy.

What's in a Food Parcel?

Each parcel is carefully designed to provide nutritious meals for three days and includes:

Tinned meat, fish, and vegetables
Pasta, rice, and other dried goods
Cereal and UHT milk
Tea, coffee, and sugar
Biscuits and snacks
Toiletries and hygiene products
Special items for children when needed

We cater for dietary requirements including vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free diets. Please let us know when you're referred so we can prepare the right parcel for you.

How to Refer Someone

We work with local agencies who can refer people to us. You cannot refer yourself, but there are many organisations who can help.

Contact a Referral Agency

Speak to your GP, social worker, Citizens Advice, school, or other support service about your situation.

Receive a Voucher

The agency will assess your need and issue you with a food bank voucher if appropriate.

Visit a Distribution Point

Bring your voucher to one of our distribution points during opening hours.

Collect Your Parcel

Our volunteers will prepare your parcel and connect you with additional support services if needed.

Collection and Distribution Points

We have four distribution points across Bassetlaw where you can collect food parcels with a valid voucher.

Worksop Distribution Centre

St. John's Community Centre
Bridge Street
Worksop
S80 1HT

Opening Hours:
Tuesday & Thursday: 10am - 2pm

Retford Distribution Point

Trinity Methodist Church
Chapelgate
Retford
DN22 6PN

Opening Hours:
Wednesday: 1pm - 4pm

Harworth Collection Point

Harworth & Bircotes Community Centre
Scrooby Road
Harworth
DN11 8JS

Opening Hours:
Friday: 10am - 1pm

Tuxford Distribution Point

Tuxford Village Hall
Elms Park Avenue
Tuxford
NG22 0JE

Opening Hours:
Monday: 2pm - 5pm

Other Services and Support

We work with partner organisations who can provide additional help with benefits, housing, debt advice, and more.

Bassetlaw District Council

Housing support, council tax advice, and local welfare assistance.

Phone: 01909 533533

Citizens Advice Bassetlaw

Free, confidential advice on benefits, debt, housing, and employment.

Phone: 0808 278 7834

Nottinghamshire Help Yourself

Online directory of local support services and community groups.

Website: nottshelpyourself.org.uk

DWP Jobcentre Plus

Benefits information, job search support, and Universal Credit claims.

Phone: 0800 328 5644

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to get help?

Yes, we work on a voucher referral system. This helps us work with local agencies to ensure people get comprehensive support, not just emergency food. Speak to your GP, social worker, Citizens Advice, or other support service about getting a referral.

How many times can I use the food bank?

Our vouchers allow for three visits in a six-month period. This is designed to provide emergency support while you access longer-term help. If you need further assistance after this, please speak to the agency that referred you.

Can I choose what goes in my food parcel?

We provide balanced parcels designed to feed individuals or families for three days. While you can't choose specific items, we do cater for dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free. Please tell the referral agency about any dietary needs when you get your voucher.

What if I can't get to a distribution point?

If you have mobility issues or cannot travel to our distribution points, please mention this to the agency referring you. In some cases, we may be able to arrange delivery through our volunteer network.

Do you provide fresh food?

Our parcels primarily contain ambient and tinned food as this has a longer shelf life and is easier to distribute. However, when available, we do include fresh items like bread, fruit, and vegetables.

Is the service confidential?

Yes, absolutely. Your visit to the food bank is completely confidential. We treat everyone with dignity and respect, and we never judge why you need help.