Bookbanks helps to change the story at food banks …

​Every month, Bookbanks puts 1,700 books into the hands of people experiencing poverty. Trained, local volunteers, all with a background in books and a passion for widening access to them, look after each stall on rotation every week, building rapport and helping people find books to suit their interests. 

In each weekly session at a partner food bank, the charity gives out around 50 books, and provide 4 hours of conversation time (200 hours/year). They train volunteers to use books (as well as printed literacy activities, like word searches and crosswords) to spark conversations with guests, helping food banks in their efforts to engage with guests’ inner lives, as well as immediate physical needs.

They also host regular events at food banks, further transforming them into places where ideas and inspiration are exchanged. Author readings and writing workshops, alongside regular visits from local librarians, deepen their impact. Star speakers have included Andrew O’Hagan, Anne Sebba,

D.J Taylor and Francesca Segal.

 

… and beyond the food bank too!
“I take books home to read with my son. It’s the best time.” 25,000+ books have gone into low-income homes. 50% are children’s.

“I’m writing this poem for my daughter. It tells her how much she means to me.” Through boosting guests’ engagement with books, Bookbanks raises literacy and self-expression.

“It’s the first time in a long time I’ve really enjoyed a social situation.” Wellbeing and confidence also rise for everyone involved.

“I've seen him before here, but I didn't realise he's a writer.” By connecting local volunteers, authors and food bank visitors, Bookbanks helps to create better-integrated communities.

 

 

A worthwhile cause...

 

The national reading crisis correlates with poverty. In 2025,  young people’s reading enjoyment and daily reading was at a 20-year low. 1 in 6 UK children receiving Free School Meals does not own a single book of their own, compared with 1 in 11 of their peers who do not have Free School Meals.

The stigma of using a food bank can impact negatively on mental health. There is a record 2.8 million people (over 4% of individuals and 8% of children) using the country’s 3,000 food banks. Studies show the majority of food bank users suffer stigma, fear and embarrassment, alongside hunger and poverty.

Books help break poverty cycles and also improve wellbeing. Reading for pleasure is “the single most important indicator of a child's future success” and 74% of people who read say it has a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing. 
 

Find out more HERE