Available Support in Bath
*Last updated 20/07/2021
| FoodCycle Bath | FoodCycle Bath |
|
Time of Cook and Collect: Wednesdays 7.30-8.30pm |
Time of Community Meal: Wednesdays 7.30pm Start date: 01/09/2021 |
Address:Nexus Methodist Church Nelson Place BA1 5DA |
Address: Nexus Methodist Church Nelson Place BA1 5DA |
| Click here for more information on FoodCycle Bath | |
|
Cook and Collect Service: You can still collect free cooked veggie take away meals. You can also collect on behalf of someone else*. You must still wear a mask. If possible, on collection, you should provide track and trace information. No referral required. *All portions depend on surplus food supply. |
Community Dining Service: Returning to our usual community sit-down meals in which our volunteers provide a FREE three course meal all made from surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. Everyone is welcome, no referral needed. You can still collect your meals to take away* Track and trace information and face masks will still be required. *subject to availability |
Head Office Number:
FoodCycle: 020 77 292775
National Food Support:
Next Meal: use this search tool to find your nearest organisation providing free food. If you are a Check-in and Chat volunteer, simply let the guest know about this website so they can search for support.
Sigposting Guide:
Other Food Support:
The Oasis Pantry is one of a growing number of community pantries opening in Bath, supplying low cost, high quality surplus food each week to local residents. We’re partnering with Fareshare Southwest, who match up surplus, in-date food with individuals and families on low incomes.
Our Pantry will be open every Thursday from 2pm-4pm in the ground floor of Oasis Church Bath, from Thursday 10th September 2020. If you live or work within approximately a 15 minute walk of Oasis, or if Oasis is your closest Pantry, and your household income is less than £18,000 a year, then we’d love to invite you to become a member. All are welcome, and we particularly would like to encourage those who are lone parents or families, who are long term unemployed, from refugees / asylum seekers and immigrants, and anyone working with a support service, eg. Social workers.
What you need to do…
You need to fill in our self-referral form which you can find here. If you’re a professional working with someone who is interested in the pantry you can also fill in this form on their behalf. If you need some help filling it in we can do it for you over the phone, just let us know by emailing pantry@oasisbath.org, or text us on 07984014704. When we receive your completed form we’ll then be in touch to confirm your place.
How much it costs…
There’s an annual membership fee of £5, and on your first visit we’ll supply a cool bag and tote bag for your purchases. Please remember to bring these with you each week. We’ll also have spare chiller bags for you to buy if you forget. This £5 fee will include the cost of your first week’s food.
We need to know that you have a working fridge at home, and that you will transport the food home in the cool bag then store it safely in the fridge.
Where there is government advice in place in relation to Covid-19 we ask that you follow this, eg. by wearing a facemask, maintaining social distancing and providing contact details.
What you can expect…
Our friendly volunteers look forward to welcoming you between 2pm and 4pm. They’ll let you know of any particular requirements for that week, will show you where to leave pushchairs etc, highlight the fire evacuation posters and will direct you to the hall where the Pantry is located.
There will be a selection of fresh, chilled and store cupboard food and toiletries available each week for you to select from.
Individual membership is suitable for people on their own, or couples, and typically you will be able to choose around 6 to 8 different items for only £2. These items would cost around £10-£15 to buy elsewhere. Family membership costs a little more, at £3 each week, and for that you can select approximately 10-12 items, with a value of up to around £25.
You’ll be able to pay by cash, debit or credit card, or by text. If you’re not able to come as planned, you can nominate 2 other people, over 16, who can collect and pay for food on your behalf.
We’re planning to offer tea and coffee too, so that you can stay for a chat, although that will depend each week on the guidance in place around Covid-19. We’d love to know what other services you’d find useful, and if we can well look to provide access to those.
If there’s more that you’d like to know then please email us pantry@oasisbath.org or call on 07984 014704.
BATH FOODBANK
If you need help from Bath foodbank there are a few simple steps to follow.
THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IS TO GET A FOODBANK VOUCHER.
In order to provide the most appropriate help for the circumstances of your situation we work with local agencies. If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank voucher. The local agency can also provide long term support if needed to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis. Agencies we work with include: Citizens Advice, housing support officers, children’s centres, health visitors, social services and some local charities.
1. GET IN TOUCH WITH US.
If you call or email our foodbank we can talk through your situation and put you in touch with a relevant local agency.
2. ARRANGE A VISIT TO THE REFERRAL AGENCY.
They will discuss your situation and supply you with a foodbank voucher where appropriate.
If you are in financial crisis and live in England or Wales, please call 0808 2082138 for free (open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) to talk confidentially with a trained Citizens Advice adviser. They can help address your crises and provide support to maximise your income, help you navigate the benefits system, and identify any additional grants you could be entitled to. If needed, they’ll issue you with a voucher so you can get an emergency food parcel from your local food bank.
Please note this number is for people who do not have enough money for food – if you are a local organisation or charity that works with people who might need the food bank, please contact us directly.
3. BRING YOUR FOODBANK VOUCHER TO YOUR NEAREST FOODBANK CENTRE.
You can find a list of our local centres and opening times here. When you arrive, we’ll welcome you with a warm drink and our trained volunteers will chat with you about your situation. We’ll also discuss any dietary needs you may have and exchange your foodbank voucher for a parcel of three days of emergency food. We’ll also help to support you in any other ways that we can. Most of our foodbank centres offer a cafe style environment and our aim is to provide non-judgemental support at the point of crisis.
If you have any further questions our FAQ’s page may help, or feel free to give us a call.