FAQs
General Information
Q: What is Ethnic Food Bank?
A: Ethnic Food Bank is a non‐profit charity dedicated to helping those in financial hardship by providing free, nutritionally balanced, and culturally appropriate emergency food parcels. Our service is designed to support ethnic minority communities in Bedford, and we are run entirely by volunteers. We are registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales and operate in full compliance with charity law.
Q: Is the service free to use?
A: Yes. All food assistance is provided at no cost. Donations and funds are used exclusively to procure, store, and distribute food to those in need.
Q: What is your address? Where do you operate from? Where are you based? Where is your distribution centre?
A: We are based at this address: Ethnic Food Bank, Westbourne Community Centre, Westbourne Road, Bedford MK40 4PQ. Please visit our Contact Us page for more up to date information.
Q: What is your number? What is your contact number? What is your telephone number? What is your mobile number?
A: Our contact number is 07417 509 996. Please keep in mind that this is usually only answered during our opening hours. Please see our FAQs page as it may already have information that you are looking for. We also an AI chatbot at the right lower corner that can help. In case you do need to get in touch with us, use our Contact Us page which has details of our contact number, opening times, address of distribution centre, etc. Please visit our Contact Us page for more up to date information.
Q: When are you open? Are you open every day?
A: We are only open currently on Wednesdays between 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm. Please visit our Contact Us page for more up to date information.
Q: Are you affiliated with any particular faith group?
A: No. Although we work with various community and faith-based organisations to reach those in need, Ethnic Food Bank is independent and open to everyone. Our focus is solely on providing culturally appropriate food to support individuals regardless of their religious background.
Accessing Food
Q: How do I receive food from Ethnic Food Bank?
A: To obtain a food parcel, you must be referred by a recognised organisation or individual. Once referred, a voucher code is generated for you. Simply present this voucher code at our distribution centre to exchange it for an emergency food parcel.
Q: Why is a referral required? I can’t just walk in.
A: Our service operates solely on a referral basis to ensure that we reach those most in need while providing food that is culturally familiar. This process helps us maintain quality and appropriateness and ensures that every client receives the support they require.
Q: Who can refer me to the food bank?
A: Referrals are accepted from trusted sources such as:
- Other food banks
- Schools
- Health and social care services (including local GPs and community health workers)
- Faith groups (churches, mosques, temples, gurdwaras)
- Community groups and organisations
- Carers and community nurses
- Citizens Advice
- Bedford Borough Council
- BPHA
Q: Where and when can I collect my food voucher?
A: Food parcels are available at our distribution centre located at: Westbourne Community Centre, Westbourne Road, Bedford MK40 4PQ.
The service operates every Wednesday from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Q: Are there any limits on how often I can use the service?
A: Yes. Generally, each family is allowed one access per month with a voucher covering up to one week’s worth of food.
Q: Do you provide non-vegetarian food? Do you provide halal/ kosher food?
A: Most food items provided are canned and vegetarian friendly. However, do keep in mind that some dairy products like long life milk and tinned fish may be available from the food bank. We usually do not stock any other non-vegetarian food.
Q: Do you have food for people with food allergies? Do you provide food for people with illnesses like coeliac disease? Do you provide food for people that need specialist diets? Do you provide gluten free food?
A: The Ethnic Food Bank does not categorise food as suitable for specific dietary restrictions. We advise individuals to use their judgment when selecting food items. If you have specific dietary needs, please consult with a healthcare provider, dietician or nutritionist.
Donating Food and Money
Q: What types of food donations are accepted?
A: We only accept dry, tinned, or non-perishable food items from a pre‐approved list. This list includes culturally specific items for South Asian, African/Caribbean, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern cuisines. For full details on accepted items, please visit our Donate Food page.
Q: How can I donate money?
A: Monetary donations are welcomed and can be made via:
- Bank transfer (using our provided Sort Code and Account number)
- Standing orders (with flexible amounts)
- Online platforms such as Just Giving
Your donation is fully tax-efficient through Gift Aid.
Q: What is Gift Aid and how does it benefit Ethnic Food Bank?
A: Gift Aid is a UK government scheme that enables us to claim an extra 25p for every £1 donated by eligible taxpayers—at no additional cost to you. This means your donation goes even further in supporting our cause.
Q: How will my donation be used?
A: All funds received are dedicated solely to the procurement, transfer, storage, and distribution of food to those in need. We maintain a pledge of no paid employees, and every donation is carefully accounted for and reported to our Annual General Meeting.
Volunteering and Referrals
Q: How can I volunteer with Ethnic Food Bank?
A: Volunteers are the backbone of our operation. By volunteering, you can help with food sorting, assembling parcels, checking voucher codes, fundraising, communications, and much more. Volunteering not only makes a difference in the community but also offers opportunities to learn new skills and meet people. For more details, please visit our Volunteer page.
Q: How do I become a recognised referrer or issue food vouchers?
A: If you work with one of our partner organisations, you can become a recognised referrer. Simply create an account on our website and complete the online referral form. Once submitted, our system will generate a food voucher code that you can share with the client to exchange for food.
Contact and Further Information
Q: How can I contact you?
A: Please see our FAQs page as it may already have information that you are looking for. We also an AI chatbot at the right lower corner that can help. In case you do need to get in touch with us, use our Contact Us page which has details of our contact number, opening times, address of distribution centre, etc.
Q: How do I get in touch if I have more questions?
A: You can contact us directly via our Contact Us page or call us on 07417 509 996. We are here to assist you with any queries or additional information you may need.
Q: How can I provide feedback on your services?
A: We value your feedback. Clients are encouraged to share their experiences when collecting food parcels, and you can also use our website feedback form to help us improve our services.
Q: Where can I find additional resources or news about Ethnic Food Bank?
A: For more information, including media coverage, newsletters, and details about our sponsors and supporters, please explore the relevant sections on our website.