Food Bank
St Catherine’s supports local people in crisis through the Wirral Foodbank network — offering practical help with dignity and kindness.
Help for anyone in need
If you’re finding life difficult right now, you are not alone — and you don’t have to “earn” help. Emergency food support exists for people and families who suddenly find themselves without enough money for food.
Wirral Foodbank has been providing emergency food locally since November 2011 and has supported 140,832 local people with emergency food since it opened.
Food bank support on the Wirral has a long-running, community-led story — and St Catherine’s is proud to be one of the places helping keep that support local, practical, and welcoming.
St Catherine’s distribution time
Address: Church Road, Tranmere, Wirral, CH42 0LQ
Food bank opening time here: Friday 11:00am – 1:00pm
If you’re unsure where to go, use the “Get help now” section.
Get help now
The quickest way to access emergency food support is through a referral / voucher route.
Emergency food voucher phone line
If you need an emergency food voucher, call:
0151 606 2005 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) and select option 4 (emergency financial assistance).
Outside of these hours (including weekends and Bank Holidays), call:
0151 677 6557.
Tell them you need help with an emergency food voucher and you’re local to Tranmere / Wirral.
If you feel anxious about calling, you can ask someone you trust to sit with you while you make the call.
If calling is difficult
You’re still welcome to reach out.
- Speak to someone locally: Come to St Catherine’s on Friday 11:00am–1:00pm, or ask for the Food Bank team.
- Accessibility support: We can take things slowly, use clear steps, and help you find the right route.
- Someone to walk in with you: If you’d like, we can help you arrive and find the right door.
How it works
Clear and simple — so you know what to expect.
1) Referral / voucher
Food bank support is usually accessed through a referral / voucher route from local support organisations.
- Referral routes: Council services, Citizens Advice, schools, GPs, social prescribers, housing teams, charities, support workers, Jobcentre and local community organisations.
- What to bring: If you have a voucher / reference, bring it (paper or on your phone).
2) Emergency food parcel
A food bank can provide an emergency food parcel containing at least three days of meals.
- Household size: Let the referrer / team know how many adults and children are in your household.
- Dietary needs: Tell us about allergies, diabetes, halal/vegetarian preferences, baby needs, or anything else — we’ll do our best with available stock.
3) Dignity, welcome, signposting
Alongside food, people are often signposted to extra support where appropriate — always respectfully. The aim is practical help now, and a pathway to steadier ground.
Donate
Donations help keep shelves stocked and parcels balanced.
Food items
Food parcels are built around nutritionally balanced, non-perishable items.
- Most-needed ideas: tinned meat/fish, tinned veg, pasta & sauce, rice, UHT milk, cereal, tea/coffee, soup, beans, fruit, long-life juice.
- Toiletries / essentials: shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste/brushes, toilet roll, washing up liquid, laundry pods, sanitary items.
- Nappies / baby items: nappies, wipes, baby food (age-labelled), nappy bags.
If you’re unsure what to donate, bring something you’d be glad to receive yourself.
Drop-off details
Donation drop-off at St Catherine’s:
Food Bank FAQ
Straight answers, no judgement.
Do I need a voucher?
Usually, yes. The easiest first step is to use the “Get help now” section above and they will guide you.
What if I’m working but still struggling?
You are not alone. Many people need support during a short-term crisis or when income doesn’t stretch far enough.
Can I donate if I’m not part of the church?
Yes. Donations are welcome from anyone who wants to help the local community.
If times change unexpectedly, we’ll update local notices at the church and guide people to the best route in the moment.
Quick overview
Food Bank day here: Friday, 11:00am–1:00pm
Address: Church Road, Tranmere, Wirral, CH42 0LQ
What to expect
- A calm, respectful welcome.
- Help with next steps (signposting) if useful.
- You can ask for dietary needs where possible.
Find us
St Catherine’s Church
Church Road, Tranmere, Wirral, CH42 0LQ
Arriving gently
- If you’re unsure where to go, come to the main entrance and ask for the Food Bank team.
- If you’d like someone to meet you at the door, use the “If calling feels hard” panel for options.
- If you’re worried you’ll forget anything, screenshot the “Copy phone numbers” panel.
Directions (simple)
Address: Church Road, Tranmere, Wirral, CH42 0LQ
- Look for St Catherine’s on Church Road in Tranmere.
- If you arrive early, take a moment — you’re welcome here.
- If you’re unsure which door, come to the main entrance and ask for the Food Bank team.
Tip: If you use a map app, you can paste the postcode CH42 0LQ.
Parking
- Please use nearby street parking where available and park considerately for local residents.
- If you need a closer drop-off (mobility / heavy donations), ask a steward and we’ll help.
- If you’re bringing donations, Friday 11–1 is usually the easiest time.
Accessibility
- We can take things slowly and explain steps clearly.
- If you’d prefer a quieter moment, tell a team member when you arrive.
- If you have mobility needs, we’ll help you get to the right place.
Safeguarding
St Catherine’s is committed to creating a safer space for everyone.
- We take concerns seriously and respond with care.
- Children and vulnerable adults are treated with dignity and respect.
- If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services.
If you want to raise a concern but don’t know how, speak to a churchwarden or a member of the team on a Friday.
Open Church
A quiet welcome space for anyone who wants a moment of peace, prayer, or a friendly face.
- You can come in, sit down, and not explain anything.
- If you want practical help, we can point you to the right route.
- If you need food support, use “Get help now” and we’ll support you with next steps.
Copy phone numbers
Main (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm): 0151 606 2005
Out of hours: 0151 677 6557
You can paste the number into your phone keypad or message it to someone you trust.
What to say (quick)
- “Hi — I need an emergency food voucher.”
- “I’m local to Tranmere / Wirral.”
- “Can you tell me the next step?”
If calling feels hard
- Write down 3 words: voucher • food • Tranmere — that’s enough to start.
- Ask someone you trust to sit with you while you call.
- If you’d rather come in person, come to St Catherine’s on Friday 11–1 and ask for the Food Bank team.
Quick donate guide
- Best basics: pasta, rice, cereal, tea/coffee, UHT milk, soup, beans, tinned veg, tinned meat/fish.
- Comfort: biscuits, jam, long-life juice.
- Essentials: toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, sanitary items, toilet roll.
- Baby: nappies, wipes, baby food.
Please avoid opened items. Best-before dates are usually okay if still in date and packaging is intact.