Get Help from Okehampton Foodbank
Okehampton Foodbank provides emergency food support for people living in Okehampton and surrounding villages in West Devon.
If you are experiencing food insecurity, this page explains how to obtain a foodbank voucher and access emergency food help.
Okehampton Foodbank provides short-term emergency food support for individuals and families who have been referred to us by local organisations.
Please note that we are not a supermarket and not a source of free food. Our service provides temporary support during difficult times.
Support Okehampton Foodbank
Okehampton Foodbank relies entirely on donations from local residents, businesses, and community supporters.
Financial donations help us purchase essential food items and maintain supplies for families who need support.
If you would like to help people in the Okehampton area, you can support our work by making a donation.
Your generosity helps ensure emergency food support remains available across the Okehampton community.
How to Get a Foodbank Voucher
To receive help from Okehampton Foodbank, you will need a referral voucher from one of our partner agencies.
Before contacting a referral agency, please read our criteria for receiving food aid.
If you live in Okehampton, we recommend contacting one of the following organisations.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice is available at the Okement Centre in Okehampton on Thursdays.
They offer advice and support on a range of issues and may be able to issue a foodbank voucher where appropriate.
Please note that Citizens Advice is currently very busy and may not be able to assist everyone immediately.
Community Links South West
Community Links runs a weekly Mental Health Hub at the Charter Hall in Okehampton.
Location: Charter Hall (next to the cinema in Red Lion Yard)
Day: Monday
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
During these hours, Community Links may issue foodbank referrals.
If you are unable to access Citizens Advice, visiting Community Links during the Monday hub may be helpful.
Other Professionals Who Can Refer You
Okehampton Foodbank accepts referrals from a wide range of professionals and organisations.
A referral may be made on your behalf by:
- Social workers
- Health visitors
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Teachers
- Probation officers
- Registered charities
- Emergency services
- Ministers of religion
These professionals can contact our coordinator to arrange a referral.
Email: contact@okehamptonfoodbank.co.uk
Families with Children
If your children attend one of the local primary schools, you may contact the Family Liaison Officer.
Family Liaison Officers are able to issue foodbank vouchers and have helped many families access support.
Collecting Your Food
Okehampton Foodbank is not able to deliver food.
Food should normally be collected in person. If you cannot collect your food yourself, you may arrange for a trusted person such as a friend or neighbour to collect it for you.
If someone else will collect food on your behalf, please inform us in advance and provide their full name.
What Food Is Available
At Okehampton Foodbank, visitors are able to choose the food items they need from the supplies available.
We aim to provide enough food to support individuals or families for around one week, depending on available donations.
Available items may include:
- Tinned foods
- Dried foods
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Eggs
- Fresh milk
- Butter and cheese
We may also have:
- Household items
- Personal hygiene products
- Toiletries
- Baby care items and nappies
Because Okehampton Foodbank relies entirely on donations, the range of available items may change from week to week.
Additional Food Support
If you require additional help, food may sometimes be available through the Community Fridge at the Okement Centre in Okehampton.
This may provide extra support alongside food received from Okehampton Foodbank.
Data Protection
To comply with UK GDPR requirements, we ask for your consent to store certain personal information when you receive support from Okehampton Foodbank.
The information we may collect includes:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone number
- Household size (number of adults and children)
- Pet information
- Food allergies or dietary requirements
Your information will be stored securely in both paper and digital formats.
Once you stop receiving support, your information will be securely deleted after 32 days.
Thank You to Our Community
Okehampton Foodbank relies entirely on the generosity of residents and supporters across Okehampton and surrounding villages.
We are very grateful for the continued support from the local community, which allows us to provide emergency food help when it is needed most.