Barrow Foodbank has been supporting individuals and families across Furness since 2012, providing emergency food parcels and practical support to people facing financial hardship. Founded by local churches and community groups, the charity works with referral agencies and volunteers to ensure that nobody in the local community has to face crisis alone.
Providing more than food
Working through a voucher referral system, Barrow Foodbank supplies emergency food parcels containing at least three days’ worth of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food. Alongside food, the charity offers a warm welcome, listens to people’s circumstances and helps signpost them to additional support services that can address the underlying causes of hardship.
The foodbank supports communities across Furness through distribution centres in:
- Barrow-in-Furness
- Ulverston
- Millom
This network helps ensure that support is available to people across a wide rural and urban area.
Powered by community generosity
Barrow Foodbank relies on the support of local residents, businesses, churches and volunteers. Donations of food, toiletries, cleaning products, baby essentials and pet food are collected throughout the year, while volunteers sort donations, prepare food parcels, welcome visitors and assist with deliveries where needed. Financial donations also help cover the operational costs of running the service.
Working together to tackle food insecurity
The charity works closely with healthcare professionals, schools, social workers, Citizens Advice and other community organisations to identify people in crisis and ensure they receive appropriate support. This partnership approach helps connect individuals not only with emergency food but also with wider advice and assistance that can improve their long-term circumstances.
Looking ahead
As demand for emergency food support continues, Barrow Foodbank remains committed to working alongside local communities to ensure that no one has to go hungry. Through the dedication of volunteers, generous donations and strong local partnerships, the charity continues to make a vital difference to thousands of people across Furness each year while offering hope, dignity and practical support during times of crisis.
