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Why We Use a Food Bank Referral System – Ensuring Fairness, Support, and Sustainability

First, local referral agencies, such as Citizens Advice in the Ockment Centre, Community Links, NHS services, Devon County Council, social workers, GPs, schools, and other local charities, work closely with individuals in crisis. These trusted partners help us identify people who are genuinely in need of emergency food support. By working together, we can ensure our resources go to those facing food poverty, financial hardship, or unexpected life challenges.



Additionally, We Offer Holistic Support Not Just Food

Our referral partners do more than send someone our way. They also provide access to debt advice, housing support, mental health services, and benefits guidance. Therefore, individuals receive well-rounded assistance, addressing not just hunger but the root causes of their hardship.

Moreover, We Help Reduce Long-Term Dependence

By encouraging people to engage with support services, our referral system helps them confront the underlying issues, such as unemployment, illness, or unexpected expenses. This way, they can work toward long-term stability, rather than relying on repeated food aid.


Furthermore, We Manage Resources More Efficiently

Since the Okehampton Food Bank operates with limited donations and funding, we must allocate resources wisely. Through referrals, we prioritise individuals and families in urgent need, ensuring fair and effective distribution of our supplies.

In Addition, We Maintain Accountability and Safeguarding

Trusted referral agencies bring an extra layer of professional oversight. They help us verify each case, prevent fraud, and protect vulnerable people, especially those facing domestic abuse, mental health issues, or housing insecurity. Thus, we deliver food aid ethically and responsibly.

As a Result, We Help Reduce the Stigma of Asking for Help

Many people feel ashamed to ask for food. However, when referred through a trusted agency, they experience support as part of a larger care system from the very beginning. This reduces stigma and helps restore dignity.

Finally, We Use Data to Create Lasting Community Change

Every referral tells a story. We track this information to spot trends, identify the causes of local food poverty, and improve our outreach. Most importantly, we use this data to advocate for policy change and better support for vulnerable households.

At The Okehampton Food Bank, we don’t just hand out food; we build hope, connection, and community.
By using a referral-based food aid model, we ensure that every individual receives not just a week’s supply of nutritious food but a pathway forward.

If you wish to become one of our trusted referral agencies, contact the Coordinator by e-mail.

Okehampton Food Bank would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Okehampton United Charities (OUC) for their generous support this year. Their funding has enabled us to use a dedicated room at the Ockment Centre, providing a safe, accessible, and welcoming space for our vital work.

Having a secure base has greatly improved the way we store and distribute food, meet clients confidentially, and create a warm, welcoming environment for those who need our help. Importantly, this dedicated room has also enabled us to invite advisors from Citizens Advice and Community Links to attend our sessions. As the only food poverty charity used exclusively by both organisations, we are able to ensure that individuals and families not only receive emergency food support but also have direct access to essential guidance on benefits, debt, housing, and wellbeing, helping them move towards longer-term stability.

OUC’s support has strengthened every part of our service. As the only free-to-use food poverty charity serving the Okehampton area, we rely on the generosity of local organisations and donors who share our commitment to supporting those in need.

The funding comes at a crucial time. Demand for our services continues to rise, and OUC’s grant enables us to provide not only essential non-perishable items but also fresh, nutritious food and vital personal hygiene products. For many facing financial hardship, these basic necessities, so important for health, dignity, and well-being, have become increasingly unaffordable.

Thanks to OUC, we are now able to offer a wider range of fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy products, as well as expand our supply of personal care items such as soap, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, and baby essentials.

In addition, OUC has generously awarded a 75% grant to cover our main operating costs for the next 12 months. Each week, we see the impact of this support: the gratitude of a parent collecting fresh produce, the relief of someone receiving personal care items they could not otherwise afford, and the restored dignity that comes from meeting basic human needs.

On behalf of everyone at the Okehampton Food Bank and the many people we serve, we extend our deepest thanks to Okehampton United Charities. Your support allows us to continue our vital work with compassion, dignity, and care.

Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of local people.

Okehampton Food Bank
Nourishing Neighbours, Feeding Futures

The spirit of generosity and community shone brightly last weekend. During this time, the Okehampton Food Bank held a successful food drive at Waitrose. In response, local shoppers, backed by the Waitrose team, showed incredible kindness. As a result, the event became a powerful reminder of what a united community can do.

Throughout the day, Waitrose customers gave generously. They filled baskets with essential food and household goods. Items included tins, pasta, toiletries, and treats. Ultimately, these donations will go to people in Okehampton who are facing tough times.

Meanwhile, volunteers from the food bank greeted donors and collected items. They also shared information about their work and gave warm thanks. In addition, the Food Bank’s Trustees added their gratitude. They felt moved by the amount of support.

“We’re incredibly thankful to the people of Okehampton,” said the Chair of the Food Bank. “Your kindness and generosity truly make a difference. Every tin, every packet, every donation helps someone who needs it.”

Equally important, the Waitrose team deserves thanks. They helped organise the day and supported the food bank with real warmth.

Clearly, events like this do more than provide supplies. They build community. More importantly, they show that in Okehampton, we care for each other. We lead with empathy and kindness.

Now, the Food Bank team is sorting the donations. They’re preparing everything for distribution. Once again, they thank everyone who gave what they could. In the end, Saturday proved that even small acts of kindness have a big impact.

Thank you. You’ve made a huge difference.


A Closer Look at the Root Causes of Poverty in the UK

At the Okehampton food bank, we help individuals and families facing crisis, but we also know the need for food support doesn’t come out of nowhere. Poverty in the UK is deeply rooted in systems that don’t work for everyone.

Many people rely on food banks in the UK due to complex poverty causes, including low-paying jobs and unstable work that make it hard to cover basic living costs. The ongoing housing crisis in the UK, combined with welfare problems and Universal Credit delays, leaves many struggling to afford rent and food.

Child poverty and mental health issues are often linked to these financial stresses. Supporting food banks through donations and volunteering is vital to provide immediate relief. However, long-term solutions like fair wages and affordable housing are essential to reduce reliance on food banks and create a fairer society.

Here’s a closer look at some of the key issues pushing people toward food banks, again and again.

Low Pay and Unstable Work

Many people who come to us are employed. But insecure jobs—like zero-hour contracts or gig work—don’t guarantee regular hours or income. Even full-time jobs often don’t pay enough to cover rent, food, and bills.

A Benefits System That Falls Short

The welfare system is meant to provide support, but for many, it adds stress. Delays in Universal Credit payments, benefit cuts, and complicated rules can leave people without money when they need it most. Many feel embarrassed asking for help, even when they’re entitled to it.

Housing That’s Hard to Afford

People are often forced to choose between heating and eating. Many can’t afford nutritious food, essential medicines, or even transport to medical appointments. This daily struggle fuels stress, anxiety, and depression.

The cost of housing is one of the biggest pressures facing people in poverty. There’s not enough affordable housing, and private rents are often too high. Housing benefits rarely cover the full cost, and insecure tenancies make life even more difficult and stressful.

Health and Wellbeing

Living in poverty takes a serious toll on both physical and mental health.

Long-term reliance on cheap, processed foods also contributes to rising obesity rates—another hidden consequence of poverty. That’s why at the Okehampton Food Bank, we ensure that 50% of the food we provide is made up of fresh fruit and vegetables, helping people access the nutrition they need.

The Impact on Children

Child poverty affects 1 in 3 children in the UK. It limits their chances at school, affects their health, and shapes their future. Cuts to family support services have only made things worse.

Everyday Services Out of Reach

Even basic services like broadband, public transport, and local support centres are harder to access for people on low incomes. This isolation adds another layer to their struggle.

What Can Be Done?

Food banks offer vital emergency support, but we know we aren’t the long-term solution. Real change means fair wages, better benefits, more affordable housing, and access to education and care for everyone.

You Can be Part of the Solution.

By supporting your local food bank—whether through donations, volunteering, or raising awareness—you’re helping people today while pushing for a fairer tomorrow.


Gig work refers to a type of employment where individuals are hired to complete short-term, flexible tasks or “gigs” rather than working as permanent employees. This work is often arranged through digital platforms or apps and can include a wide range of services.

A Closer Look at the Root Causes of Poverty in the UK

At The Okehampton Food Bank, we see the faces behind the statistics every day, families doing their best in a system that often works against them. Here’s what poverty looks like in our community, and why it’s happening.

Low Pay and Unstable Work

“I work two jobs, but it’s still not enough.”


Liam, a single dad, works long hours in retail and does evening shifts delivering takeaways. After rent, bills, and childcare, there’s often nothing left for food.

“Some weeks I skip meals so my daughter can eat.”

A Benefits System That Falls Short

“When my benefits were stopped, I had nothing.”


Sarah was sanctioned after missing a Universal Credit appointment while in hospital. She and her two young children went over a week with no income.

“If the food bank hadn’t helped, we wouldn’t have eaten.”

Housing That’s Hard to Afford

“We’re paying more for less.”


Mark and Leanne, with three children, live in a damp, one-bedroom flat. Most of their income goes to rent, but they can’t afford to move.

“The kids sleep in the living room. It’s not safe, but we don’t have a choice.”

Health and Wellbeing

“I chose between heating and eating.”


Maya, who has long-term health issues, couldn’t afford both her medication and her gas meter. She ended up in hospital with pneumonia last winter. “Nobody should have to choose like that.”

The Impact on Children

“My son cried because he couldn’t bring a snack to school.”


Ella’s child was embarrassed when he didn’t have anything for snack time, unlike his friends. “We’re not bad parents. We’re just struggling—and it’s heartbreaking.” We at the food bank were happy to supply snacks for school as part of her food donation.

What Can Be Done?

These stories are just a few among many. They remind us that poverty is not a personal failure—it’s a result of systems that leave people behind.

We believe everyone deserves dignity, stability, and access to the basics: food, housing, healthcare, and opportunity. Until that’s possible for everyone, food banks like ours will keep standing in the gap.

Help Us Make a Difference

Your support—whether it’s a food donation, a few volunteer hours, or simply spreading the word—can help people like Liam, Sarah, and Ella get through hard times.

Together, we can work toward a future where no one has to rely on a food bank.

The powerful stories shared by food bank users highlight the deep-rooted inequality and systemic issues contributing to poverty in the UK. Issues that stand in stark contrast to the high salaries of housing association CEOs.

While families like Liam’s, Sarah’s, and Ella’s struggle to afford basic necessities like food, heating, and safe housing, many CEOs of housing associations—organisations originally founded to support vulnerable people—earn salaries well into six figures, with some exceeding £400,000. Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has criticised these pay levels, arguing that they suggest a departure from the charitable mission these associations were meant to uphold.

The link between CEO pay and food bank dependency is found in the failure of systems meant to provide safety and support. When housing remains unaffordable or substandard, as in the case of Mark and Leanne’s damp, overcrowded flat, it raises serious questions about where public and charitable money is going and who is truly being served.

At a time when many rely on food banks to survive, it is reasonable to challenge whether such high executive pay is appropriate in organisations tasked with addressing basic human needs such as housing. Bridging this disconnect is essential if we are to create a society where people don’t have to choose between heating and eating, or feel ashamed for sending their children to school without food.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who responded to our post yesterday and donated personal hygiene items and food. Your kindness and support mean the world to us—and to those in our community who rely on these essentials.

Thanks to you, we’re now better equipped to meet the needs of individuals and families facing tough times this week. Every item donated is a reminder that compassion and community spirit are alive and well.

Thank you for making a difference.

#ThankYou #CommunitySupport #Gratitude #OkehamptonFoodBank

A Heartfelt Thank You to Waitrose and Spreyton Village Shop

The Okehampton Food Bank extends sincere thanks to the customers and staff of Waitrose and Spreyton Village Shop for their continued generosity and incredible community spirit. Your support is making a real, lasting difference to individuals and families in need across our area.

Week after week, your thoughtful donations of essential food and household items help ensure that those facing tough times receive the help they need. This consistent support is vital to our mission and provides a safety net for those struggling to make ends meet.

We’re especially grateful to Spreyton Village Shop, whose team not only collects donations but also actively raises awareness around food insecurity in our local community. Your efforts show how a small business can have a big impact, and your dedication helps keep our shelves stocked with high-quality, nourishing food.

The Okehampton Food Bank depends on the kindness of individuals and local businesses to continue our work. Every contribution — no matter the size — helps bring hope, dignity, and relief to those going through difficult times.

To all who give so generously: thank you. Your compassion fuels our work and reminds us of the power of a community that cares.

Thank You

Help Us Tackle Hygiene Poverty in Okehampton

At Okehampton Food Bank, we’ve seen firsthand how urgent the need is — a recent donation of shower gel and body wash was completely gone within just 30 minutes of opening. This highlights the growing crisis of: hygiene poverty.

For many in our community — including families, single parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, and even those experiencing homelessness — personal care products like soap, shampoo, deodorant, and period products are simply out of reach. When budgets are tight, food takes priority, and hygiene falls by the wayside.

But hygiene isn’t a luxury. It’s about health, dignity, and self-worth. The lack of basic essentials can deeply affect mental well-being and confidence.

That’s where you can help. By donating hygiene products — or contributing financially — you help us restore not only cleanliness but also hope and humanity. Every item donated makes a real difference.

“Your donation of a toothbrush or deodorant can change someone’s day.”

We gladly accept donations of soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and period products. Items can be dropped off in the collection basket at Waitrose.

Because while food is essential, dignity is too.

Thank you.

After 17 years of dedicated service to the community, The Okehampton Food Bank has officially become an independent charity registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales.

This significant milestone enables the organisation to enhance its operations, secure more funding, and strengthen its support for individuals and families facing food insecurity in Okehampton.

Since its inception, the food bank has provided emergency food assistance to those in need. By registering as a charity, The Okehampton Food Bank now operates with greater autonomy, allowing it to expand services and secure long-term sustainability.

Benefits of Charitable Status

Registering as a charity brings several advantages that will help Okehampton Food Bank grow and better serve the local community. These benefits include:

Access to More Funding – As an independent charity, Okehampton Food Bank can now apply for grants, receive donations from larger funding bodies, and secure financial support previously unavailable to non-charitable organisations.

Increased Public Trust – Official charitable status reassures donors and the public that the organisation operates transparently and remains accountable for the use of funds and resources.

Gift Aid Eligibility – Claiming Gift Aid on donations allows every pound donated by UK taxpayers to increase by 25%, providing additional financial support at no extra cost to the donor. Donors can download Gift Aid forms from the website.

Stronger Partnerships – Gaining charitable status facilitates better collaboration with local businesses, other charities, and governmental bodies, helping to secure food supplies and additional resources to support those struggling with daily living costs.

Greater Long-Term Stability – With formal governance structures in place, the food bank can confidently plan for the future and continue assisting those who rely on its services.

A Community-Driven Initiative

Local volunteers, trustees, and donors played a crucial role in supporting the food bank’s transition to charitable status by contributing their time and resources.

Operating from the Ockment Centre in North Street, the food bank remains committed to providing emergency food five days a week to ensure that no one in the community goes hungry.

Okehampton’s strong community spirit has driven this journey to independence, demonstrating a collective effort to tackle food insecurity and support vulnerable individuals. With its new status, the food bank now stands in a stronger position to make a lasting impact and continue its vital work for years to come.

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of donors, who consistently go the extra mile to ensure the food bank can assist those in need.

Recent data from the Trussell Trust reveals that more than 3.1 million emergency food parcels were distributed by food banks from April 2023 to March 2024, marking an unprecedented high.

Unfortunately, food banks have become a crucial component of the social safety net in the UK. An increasing number of individuals are depending on these services, but this rise merely scratches the surface of the underlying issues that leave many unable to provide adequate meals for themselves and their families. The situation in Okehampton reflects this broader trend.

About food banks

Food banks thrive on the dedication of volunteers and the kindness of donations from individuals, businesses, and various organisations. Many people turn to food banks during challenging times when their budgets cannot accommodate food expenses.

This situation often arises from job loss, unforeseen bills, or health challenges. In addition to addressing immediate food needs, food banks highlight deeper societal issues such as poverty, inadequate wages, and insufficient benefits, which can hinder families and individuals from making ends meet.

The escalating cost of living is intensifying the strain on food banks, as an increasing number of people find it difficult to manage essential costs. There are numerous food banks throughout the nation, with many operating independently.

Food bank referrals triple

Since 2020, the referrals we receive for assistance have increased more than threefold. All our referrals are from outside charities. The upward trend started in December 2023, reaching its highest point in March 2024. We are experiencing a surge in referrals during the winter months, as financial strains intensify due to elevated energy costs.

Why us the food bank?

Individuals seek our assistance for a variety of common challenges, primarily stemming from low income, cuts to benefits, and mounting debt. These issues are often interconnected, with financial strain leading to increased debt levels. The most frequent concerns we encounter revolve around benefits, housing, and debt-related problems.

Recently, we have observed that a significant portion of those we assist are unable to work due to health issues, followed by the unemployed and then those who are still in the workforce, including seniors. The escalating cost of living is impacting a broader range of individuals, even those who are employed, making it increasingly difficult for them to manage essential expenses within their limited income. 

Will the demand for food banks decrease in 2025

Numerous news reports have pointed out a decline in inflation in the first month of the year, leading to optimism that this could indicate a resolution to the cost-of-living crisis. Nevertheless, a decrease in the inflation rate does not equate to falling prices; rather, prices are still rising, albeit at a slower pace. Inflation has increased to 4% since the 1st of January.

The real end to this crisis will only come when prices level off and wages or social security benefits rise sufficiently to match the cost of living. Regrettably, this situation has yet to materialize, and the demand for food banks is expected to persist throughout the UK, including in Okehampton. 

Helping the Food Bank.

Community Links presence at the food bank is strategic in addressing some of the root causes of food bank use and accessing a range of services and support for families and individuals in Devon and the South West.

We are also blessed to have Citizens Advice as neighbours and the presence of these two helpful charities in the Ockment Centre working closely with the food bank is a wonderful resource for the families we serve.

You can support us by helping a family today. Every gift helps.