How We Help

Emergency Food Support
When You Need It Most

We provide nutritionally balanced food parcels to individuals and families in Guildford who are facing crisis. Here is everything you need to know about how our support works.

What's Inside a Food Parcel?

Every parcel we put together is carefully designed to provide wholesome, nutritious meals for three full days.

Tinned meat, fish & vegetables
Pasta, rice & dried goods
Cereal & UHT milk
Tea, coffee & sugar
Biscuits & snacks
Toiletries & hygiene products
Child-specific items when needed

We cater for dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free diets. Please let the agency referring you know about any dietary needs so we can prepare the right parcel for you.

How to Access Our Support

Our service operates through a straightforward referral system to ensure everyone receives the right level of help.

1

Speak to a Referral Agency

Get in touch with your GP, social worker, Citizens Advice, school, or another local support service to explain your situation and request support.

2

Receive a Voucher

The agency will assess your circumstances and, if appropriate, issue you with a food bank voucher that grants access to one of our distribution points.

3

Visit a Distribution Point

Bring your voucher to one of our four Guildford distribution points during the advertised opening hours. You will be welcomed with warmth and respect.

4

Collect Your Parcel

Our volunteers will have a parcel ready for you and can also connect you with other local support services if you need additional help beyond food.

Our Distribution Points

We have four locations across Guildford so that help is always nearby.

Guildford Central

St. John's Community Centre
Bridge Street
Guildford
GU1 4RG

Opening Hours Tuesday & Thursday: 10am – 2pm

Godalming Distribution Point

Trinity Methodist Church
Church Street
Godalming
GU7 1EW

Opening Hours Wednesday: 1pm – 4pm

Cranleigh Collection Point

Cranleigh Village Hall
High Street
Cranleigh
GU6 8AS

Opening Hours Friday: 10am – 1pm

Guildford East Distribution Point

Burpham Village Hall
Burpham Lane
Guildford
GU4 7LY

Opening Hours Monday: 2pm – 5pm

Local Support Services

These organisations can help with referrals and a wide range of additional support.

Guildford Borough Council

Housing support, council tax assistance, and local welfare provision for Guildford residents.

Phone: 01483 505050

Citizens Advice Guildford

Free, confidential guidance on benefits, debt, housing, employment, and much more.

Phone: 0808 278 7834

Surrey Help Yourself

An online directory of local support services and community groups across the Surrey area.

Website: surreyhelpyourself.org.uk

DWP Jobcentre Plus

Information on benefits, job search support, and Universal Credit claims and applications.

Phone: 0800 328 5644

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to access support?

Yes, we operate on a voucher referral system. This ensures that everyone who comes to us also has access to holistic, longer-term support — not just emergency food. Please speak to your GP, social worker, Citizens Advice, or another local support service to arrange a referral.

How many times can I use the food bank?

Our vouchers cover up to three visits within a six-month period, providing emergency support while you access longer-term assistance. If you need further help after this, please speak to the agency that originally referred you and they can advise on next steps.

Can I choose what goes into my food parcel?

We put together balanced, three-day parcels designed to meet general nutritional needs. While you cannot select individual items, we absolutely cater for dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free diets. Just make sure your referral agency is aware of any dietary needs when your voucher is issued.

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

If you have mobility difficulties or are otherwise unable to travel, please mention this to the agency referring you. In certain circumstances, our volunteer network may be able to arrange a delivery directly to your home. We will always do our best to find a solution.

Do you include fresh food in parcels?

Our parcels primarily contain ambient and tinned food, as these have longer shelf lives and are easier to distribute reliably. However, when fresh items such as bread, fruit, and vegetables are available through donations, we are happy to include them.

Is the service completely confidential?

Absolutely. Your visit to Guildford Food Bank is entirely confidential. We treat every person with the same dignity and respect, and we never ask why you need help or make any judgement about your circumstances. You are always welcome here.