The aim of this scheme is to provide a three-day emergency food parcel to people in temporary financial crisis who otherwise would have to go hungry due to their various circumstances. This could be because they have lost their job, become incapacitated or the result of a delay in benefit payments, for example.

To receive an emergency parcel customers must be able to demonstrate their need primarily by being referred through an agency or by an initial self-referral. The referral agencies include Citizens Advice, Broadacres Housing Association, Hambleton District Council, various departments in North Yorkshire County Council, The Probation Service, and Horizons.