A place of practical and emotional support

Tucked away in St Albans, Verso Care provides far more than food parcels—it offers a space where people can find support, dignity, and community. For many, the food bank is a lifeline, helping them through difficult periods with both practical and emotional assistance.

Julie, a staff member at Verso Care, sees the difference this support makes firsthand. “One of our guests had become very lonely and isolated before they started coming here,” she explains. “They didn’t want to leave the house, but coming to Verso Care gave them the confidence to build new relationships and friendships. Now, they visit us weekly or biweekly—even if it’s just for a coffee. That sense of connection is just as important as the food we provide.”

Verso Care’s approach recognises that food insecurity is often tied to deeper struggles, whether it’s financial difficulties, housing issues, or mental health challenges. By creating a welcoming environment, they aim to help people rebuild their confidence and regain a sense of control over their lives.

Yasmin, a volunteer who helps pack emergency bags, explains what drew her to Verso Care. “I saw how amazing this place was, and it really struck a chord with me—I just wanted to be part of that.” Like many of the volunteers, she plays a key role in ensuring those in need receive the right support at the right time.

What’s inside emergency food parcels?

Some items are donated in abundance—others are desperately needed but rarely received.

“We usually get a lot of cereal, which is fantastic because everyone eats cereal,” Yasmin shares. “We also get a lot of pasta and baked beans—at one point, we had so much pasta in the warehouse that we called that section ‘Little Italy.’ The cereal area became ‘The Breakfast Club,’ and the beans section was ‘Greasy Spoon.’”

But while pasta and beans are plentiful, other essentials are in short supply. “We always really need toiletries,” Yasmin explains, “things like laundry detergent, fabric softener, and house cleaning products like surface spray and bleach. These are expensive in the supermarket, but people always need them.”

The challenge: more demand, fewer volunteers

Like many food banks across the UK, Verso Care faces a growing demand for its services. However, one of their biggest challenges is finding enough volunteers to keep up with this demand.

“We have an amazing volunteer base, but we need more,” says Julie. “Without volunteers, we can’t provide the services our guests rely on.” Volunteers play a crucial role in every part of the organisation, from stacking shelves and helping in the care centre to writing funding bids and conducting research. “We’d love more people to help in our warehouse, in our care centre, or even in our drop-in café. Every extra pair of hands makes a difference.”

Warehouse manager Jeremiah agrees. “I started as a volunteer before taking on this role, and I’ve seen firsthand how much we depend on people giving their time,” he says. “Our team does everything from counting and date-checking stock to restocking shelves and coordinating donations from supermarkets. Without volunteers, we simply couldn’t keep the food bank running.”

How Bankuet helps meet urgent needs

Bankuet allows food banks to bulk-buy the items they need most, rather than relying solely on donations that may not always match demand. For Verso Care, this has been a game-changer.

“We initially started working with Bankuet in early 2019, and this was really well-timed when lockdown came in,” explains Jeremiah. “With all the restrictions at supermarkets and only being able to buy a certain amount of things, those who were already supporting us were able to continue donating through Bankuet, which meant we could keep getting the donations we needed for our guests.”

With food bank donations varying from week to week, Verso Care relies on partnerships like Bankuet to ensure they have the right supplies at the right time.

“In 2023 alone, we received 18,593 items through Bankuet,” says Sasha, Verso Care’s manager. “That meant we were able to provide food parcels for 620 individuals in need. It’s made a huge impact on the way we support our community.”

“One of the biggest challenges over the past couple of years has been the rising cost of essentials like cleaning products and toiletries,” explains Jeremiah. “Through Bankuet, we’ve been able to stock up on high-demand items like laundry liquid, fabric conditioner, bleach, and surface spray. These are things that people often can’t afford but make a huge difference in their daily lives.”

The ability to target specific needs means the food bank can respond more effectively to changing circumstances. “Every week, I do a stock check to see what we’re running low on,” Jeremiah continues. “If we’re short on tinned food or toiletries, I can go onto Bankuet and request exactly what’s needed. It makes sure we’re always prepared to help those who come through our doors.”

How you can support Verso Care

Despite the incredible impact of their work, Verso Care can only continue supporting the community with the help of volunteers and donors.

“We’re so grateful to everyone who has donated through Bankuet over the last five years,” says Sasha, Verso Care manager and team member. “Your generosity allows us to keep helping those who need it most. If you’d like to continue supporting us, you can donate through Bankuet as a one-off or set up a monthly contribution.”

But financial support isn’t the only way to help. “If you have time to spare, we’d love to hear from you,” Julie adds. “Whether it’s helping in the warehouse, working in the drop-in café, or assisting with registration, every bit of help makes a real difference to people’s lives.”

Verso Care is a shining example of how a community can come together to support those in need. By volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, you can be part of that change. Visit Verso Care’s website or donate through their page on Bankuet today—because together, we can make sure no one in St Albans faces hardship alone.

Help Bankuet get food banks what they need, when they need it.