The Sid Valley Food Bank covers Sidmouth, Sidford, Sidbury and adjacent villages, including Newton Poppleford. Other Food Banks are available outside of this area. We operate from Primley United Reformed Church, Primley Road, Sidmouth, EX10 9LB. See Contact Us for a map.
We help a wide range of people in different situations. We understand how hard it can be to ask for help but if you are struggling to afford food, please do not hesitate. You will be treated with respect and you will find our volunteers are caring and helpful. Here are some examples a client may experience that brings them to us for food help.
- lost job and waiting for benefits to start
- change in a relationship or family situation has caused financial struggles
- lost or reduced benefits and needs temporary help
- low income is causing financial problems
- a large bill has come unexpectedly, so money is tighter than usual
- homeless
If you need food support you can call any of the agencies below, who will refer you to us. In an emergency situation, you can come to the Food Bank on Tuesday morning without a referral. We will give you some food and help you to contact one of the agencies.
It’s usually a very quick and simple process. They will talk to you in confidence to and assess your needs. Referrers will then give us your contact details. We will call you directly to arrange for you to collect your food. We can also deliver food in certain (very limited) circumstances. If you have no food at all and can’t wait a few days, please let us know.
Referrers
- Your housing or benefits officer
- East Devon District Council 01404 515 616
- Citizens Advice 0808 250 5703
- Sid Valley Help 01395 892 011 or 07378 964521
- Gateway
- Sidmouth College 01395 514 823
- Sidmouth Primary School 01395 514146
- Other schools – contact their main office
- Salvation Army Community Worker
- NHS Community Health Services
- Social Services
- Local Churches
- Your GP at Beacon Health Centre 01395 512 601
Visiting the Food Bank
Collection
• Collection days for food are Tuesday and Friday mornings
• Come any time between 10.30 and 11.30
• You may be asked to wait if your food is not quite ready. If you have a mobile phone we can text you, if not we will come and find you to let you know.
Deliveries
• Food is delivered from 10.45 on Fridays. Clients must be at home to receive the food or have given us instructions on where to leave it. If you don’t, we will leave the food at your door, but cannot replace any that goes missing.
• Deliveries will only be for clients who live further away from the Food Bank and either do not have a car or do not have access to a car. There may be some exceptions including people who are disabled or unable to leave the house for medical reasons.
Please also remember
• You are able to receive food for up to four weeks per referral.
• Please return carrier bags so that we can re-use them.