Volunteers
Food hygiene certificate for volunteers, food banks and charities
For food banks, community cafés, soup kitchens, lunch clubs and the volunteers who run them.
Level 2, UK version: £12 per person, online 24 hours a day. Module 1 is free before you pay.
What the rules say
For food banks and pantries, community cafés and fridges, soup kitchens, lunch clubs, faith groups and charity events. Each point links to the page it comes from.
- The FSA says food handlers at food banks and charities must receive appropriate supervision and training in food hygiene, in line with the area they work in.[1]
- Regular and organised food supply needs to be registered with the council, even when it is not for profit. If you are unsure about an event, ask your council.[2]
- You must give allergen information for the 14 allergens when you serve or hand out food.[3]
What the course covers for your work
- Use-by and best-before dates, and what each one means
- Checking deliveries and keeping chilled food cold
- The 14 allergens and how to give allergen information
- Handwashing, cleaning and disinfecting
7 modules with a short video and a quiz each, about 2 to 3 hours in total. The final exam has 30 questions in 45 minutes. Pass and download a PDF certificate with a QR code that anyone can check.
Which course and how much
| Course | Price |
|---|---|
| Level 2 food hygiene | £12 (£10 + VAT) |
| Level 2 + allergen awareness | £18 |
Training a team? Team packs cost less per person and come with a dashboard and training records.
Sources
- Food safety and hygiene guidance for food banks and charities (Food Standards Agency on GOV.UK, updated 28 August 2026)
- Community and charity food provision (Food Standards Agency, guidance updated March 2016)
- Allergen guidance for food businesses (Food Standards Agency on GOV.UK, updated 17 July 2026)
The certificate confirms completion of training. It is not a regulated qualification, and HygieneReady is not approved or endorsed by the FSA or Food Standards Scotland.
Other jobs
Frequently asked questions
Do food bank volunteers need a food hygiene certificate?
No certificate is required, but the FSA says volunteers who handle food must be supervised and trained in food hygiene for the work they do. A short course gives each volunteer the basics and gives the organisation a record.
Is there a price for groups?
Yes. Team packs cost less per person and include a dashboard to see who has finished. For a larger group, contact us for a custom pack.
Is an online food hygiene course enough?
UK law asks for training in food hygiene in line with the work, and the FSA lists self-study among the ways to train. It does not require a classroom course or a particular provider. Our certificate confirms you completed the training and passed the exam; it is not a regulated qualification, and HygieneReady is not approved by the FSA.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Level 2 costs £12 per person (£10 + VAT), with the certificate included, or £18 with allergen awareness. The course takes about 2 to 3 hours. The final exam has 30 questions and you pass with 21; retakes are free.