MultiBank Services

Our MultiBank service is set up to provide care packages & food parcels to the most vulnerable families and individuals in our local and broader communities. We do this by utilising bought in and donated surplus foods and goods from national and local businesses, organisations & individuals, in order to tackle food poverty, food waste & needless struggle.

We currently deliver to postcodes beginning with NE, although other areas will be considered - please get in touch Contact Us


MultiBank FAQ's

  • What is a MultiBank?

    A food bank is a non-profit, charitable organization that distributes support parcels to those struggling with food insecurity & financial difficulties, usually through intermediaries like food pantries and soup kitchens. 


    Some food banks distribute food directly as is the case with our Families 1st North East Food Bank services. 


    We provides care packages & food parcels to the most vulnerable families and individuals in our local and broader communities. 


    We do this by utilising bought in and donated foods and goods from national and local businesses, organisations & individuals, in order to tackle food poverty & needless struggle.

  • Is the service free?

    There is a small fee in order to cover operational overheads & delivery. This is charged at £6.00 per week or £4.00 for households within NE13.


    Alternatively collections are available for £4


    If you are unable to cover this you can contact referal services via your support worker, local housing provider, local authority's social care or cost of living teams, your GP (social prescribers) and local citizen's advice bureau who can discuss the potential of covering your service fee.


    Alternatively if you are able to cover the administrative cost- you can apply by completing our self referral form below.



  • Who can use a MultiBank?

    Food poverty & insecurity can impact anyone, even those that appear from the outside, to have sufficient means, financial struggles can affect any of us at any time. It is often said the majority of people are one pay check away from destitution.


    At Families 1st our focus is on providing help & support, we do not gate keep who does and doesn't need said help.


    If you feel you are struggling and need additional support, providing you, a friend/family or a 3rd party support organisation can cover the cost of operations (£7 per delivery), we will consider all clients.


    Please complete the form below & we will be in touch in due course.

  • How do I apply for support?

    Referrals can be made by speaking to your support worker, local housing provider, local authority's social care or cost of living teams, your GP (social prescribers) and local citizen's advice bureau.


    Alternatively if you are able to cover the £7 administrative cost- you can self refer by completing the self referral form provided.


  • What will I receive in my delivery?

    Clients receive weekly deliveries to their home, of fresh fruit & veg, bread, frozen meals and pantry staples like sugar, rice & tinned foods.


    Due to the nature of our care packages being donation dependent, we cannot offer specific items and while we will always attempt to meet dietary requirements, this is not guranteed and items will vary depending on availability.


    If necessary we are also able to provide toiletries, sanitary products and baby/infant products upon request.

  • How long can I access the service?

    The service is available for up to 5 weeks per sign up with a minimum 5 weeks break between referrals.

  • How do I pay the service fee?

    If you are self referred you can pay via paypal, cash or bank transfers or cash on delivery.


    Please note, deliveries will not be released by our drivers until payment is receieved in full. 


    NO CREDIT AVAILABLE


    Paypal - support@families1st.uk


    Bank Transfers:

    SORT CODE: 30-90-89

    ACCOUNT NUMBER: 36301168

    ACCOUNT NAME: Familys1st4AdditionalNeeds


  • Do you cater for dietary requirements?

    We will always do our best to try to accomdate dietary requirements where possible, however due to the nature of donations based distribution, we can not always guarentee that we will be able fully meet all individual preferences or requirements.


    If you have any specific dietary requirements, allergies or food refusals, please make sure they are listed clearly on your self referrals. 

Self Referrals:


If you need some support we can provide you with a community bag for 5 weeks. This is an economical parcel with basic provisions which will be delivered directly to you for a fee of £7 per week.

We will go through an assessment with you to ensure your parcel is created specially for your needs.


You can complete the self referral form here


If you need emergency food bank assistance, you can contact

Sorry - No Credit Available


Please make sure you are able to cover the weekly costs for your deliveries, before completing the self referral form.

Once applications are processed we will call to advise you of a weekly delivery time slot.  You will be required to sign for parcels in person.

Please note, driver’s are not permitted to handout products until payment is received in full. Our team work on a volunteer basis & we have a zero tolerance policy to driver abuse.


Click HERE for full terms & conditions.