Who we help
Finchley Foodbank provides emergency food for people - of any age - experiencing food poverty. People using our services must be residents of the London Borough of Barnet, but you do not need to have a voucher/referral from anywhere else.
What we do
We support people by providing emergency food for three days, including some essential toiletries, household items and - where needed - items for babies.
We are also able to tell people about services that provide further help and support.
Our Digital Champions offer support to get online using a phone or laptop to send emails and do benefits research. We may also be able to provide free sim cards to people who are unable to afford the internet.
We provide a monthly newsletter with advice and news.
* September News
* September News
September Superfoods
Eating seasonally is a great way to eat well. Look out for these nutritious late-summer fruits and vegetables at the Foodbank.
Apples: Packed with fibre and Vitamin C. Cut into slices and dip them in peanut butter for a filling snack.
Squash & Pumpkins: Excellent sources of Vitamin A. Roasted squash makes a hearty side dish or mash into a comforting soup.
Root Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and onions store well for weeks and are the perfect base for affordable, large batch stews
Recipe of the Month: One-Pot Harvest Stew
This budget-friendly meal uses foodbank staples and cooks in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 can of mixed beans or chickpeas (drained)
2 diced potatoes or sweet potatoes Instructions:
1 diced onion
1 teaspoon of mixed dried herbs
1 vegetable stock cube (dissolved in 2 cups of boiling water)
Method:
Fry the onion in a large pot with a splash of oil until soft. Add the diced potatoes, canned tomatoes, and beans. Pour in the vegetable stock and add the dried herbs. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Autumn Energy Saving Tips
As the weather cools down, here are 3 free ways to keep your home warmer and save on utility bills:
Bleed your radiators: Trapped air prevents radiators from heating up fully. Bleeding them makes your heating system much more efficient.
Block the drafts: Use rolled-up towels or old clothes at the bottom of doors to stop cold air from entering your living spaces.
Layer up early: Wear thick socks and slippers before turning on the heating to delay using energy on milder days.
Here to Support You
Our support goes beyond food. If you are facing challenges with housing, utility bills or employment, we can connect you with local support agencies. Please speak to a volunteer during your visit
How to register for the Foodbank
1
You register in person, by attending one of our Tuesday or Saturday sessions. Please come before 1pm.
2
One of our volunteers will take you through the registration process. You must live in the London Borough of Barnet in order to register with us.
We need proof of address for every adult over 18 living in your household that you need food for.
Proof of address is an official letter for example from a hospital or GP, or a bill or a bank statement with each adults name and address on it. This must be dated within the last three months. Please ask their permission to bring their proof of address to us.
3
If you have a child/children under one year living with you, you will also need to show us evidence of their date/s of birth and proof that they are living with you. We require an official document that shows the child/children’s name, date of birth and address, such as child benefit, child tax credit, child maintenance, NHS red book or NHS letter.
Note: Passports and birth certificates are not acceptable - they do not show the proof of address.
4
If you do not have the evidence with you on your first visit, you must bring it next time you visit us. If you do not provide evidence after three visits, then we will be unable to support you.
5
Once you are registered, you will be given an appointment day and time for future visits. You will be able to take food and household items on your first visit too.
6
If needed, you will be able to visit once a week for eight weeks. Then you will be able to visit every other week.
7
We ask that you only visit the foodbank when you are experiencing food poverty.
Our opening hours
Tuesdays 12pm to 1.30pm
Saturdays 12pm to 1.30pm
Visiting the Foodbank
Please arrive at your allocated time
Please bring your appointment card or client number so we can check you in quickly.
Please return any empty egg boxes.
Please bring your own bags for packing all your items. Only people visiting for the first time will be given bags.
We suggest you bring a shopping trolley or case on wheels, as carrying your items can be very heavy.
We ask that children, including those in buggies/prams and other adults wait for you in the car park.
If there is no one to look after your child(ren), you will be asked to complete a selection list and we will pack your bags and give them to you outside.
Please try and move through the foodbank within 10 minutes and leave promptly.
Please observe our rules and follow the directions of volunteers, so that we can distribute items fairly.
In exceptional circumstances if you cannot come yourself to collect food and someone else needs to come you MUST contact us before midday on your appointment day at hello@finchleyfoodbank.org.uk or call or text us on 07849 558307
We want your feedback
We welcome all feedback (positive and negative) which will be treated in the strictest of confidence. If you have any feedback, please speak to a volunteer or the session leader when you visit us, so we can respond quickly on the day.
You can also contact us by telephone or text on 07849 558307 or by email at hello@finchleyfoodbank.org.uk
In writing to The Manager, Finchley Foodbank, 279 High Road, London N2 8HG
Or by scanning this QR code:
