FoodGuard

Supermarket Voucher Service | Part of Fortis Secure Support

What is FoodGuard?

FoodGuard is a structured supermarket voucher service, delivered as part of the Fortis Secure Support programme by Fortis Advisory CIC. It is designed to help individuals who face difficulties managing their budgets due to mental or physical health conditions, severe mental impairment (SMI), addiction, or gambling-related challenges.

The service is available exclusively through our approved referral partners, who work closely with clients to ensure the right level of support is provided.

FoodGuard works by converting cash into supermarket-specific vouchers that are restricted to food spending. This ensures that essential grocery money is protected, helping clients maintain food security and avoid financial harm. The service is particularly valuable for people whose health or circumstances affect their ability to manage money independently.

Clients can choose from two formats:

  • Tesco Cards: Physical gift card posted to the client and topped up weekly.
  • Asda Vouchers: Digital vouchers emailed directly to the client each week.

Voucher top-ups are scheduled in line with the client’s income (e.g. benefits or wages), typically monthly or every four weeks, creating consistency and stability in food budgeting.

Referral partners also help us collect anonymised information on client vulnerabilities – such as mental health status, disability, or family circumstances – which allows Fortis Advisory CIC to apply for additional grant funding. This often benefits specific groups like single parents, individuals with disabilities, or those facing long-term hardship.

How It Works

1. Referral Process

FoodGuard is available through approved referral partners, including charities, housing associations, councils, money advice agencies, and professionals such as carers, support workers, and health staff. Partners identify clients who are struggling to manage their budgets due to issues such as mental or physical health conditions, severe mental impairment, addiction, or gambling problems.

2. Client Sign-Up and Payment

Referral partners help clients select the most appropriate FoodGuard option. Clients then set up a standing order aligned with their income schedule (e.g. monthly or every four weeks). This can be arranged using our form or through the client’s banking app.

Once the standing order is in place, the referral partner submits the referral through our secure portal. We then begin delivering Tesco card top-ups remotely or Asda vouchers by email, depending on the client’s chosen option.

3. Ongoing and Additional Support

We actively monitor new funding opportunities. When available, we apply for grants that may allow us to provide extra supermarket vouchers or seasonal support, particularly during high-need periods such as Christmas.

Referral partners can update client information in the portal at any time. Keeping this information current helps us match clients to targeted funding as it becomes available.

Why Choose FoodGuard?

  • Free and accessible: The service is completely free for clients, making it easy to access for those most in need.
  • Improved budgeting: Helps clients allocate money specifically for groceries, bringing structure and consistency to their food spending.
  • Reduced financial stress: Ensures essential spending on groceries, easing pressure and supporting peace of mind.
  • Client-focused support: Referrals are based on specific vulnerabilities such as mental health, disability, addiction, or gambling, ensuring the right people receive the right help.

Become a Referral Partner

If you work with individuals who:

  • Have mental or physical disabilities that affect their ability to manage money or maintain stable budgets.
  • Live with addictions or gambling problems and need structured support around food spending.
  • Experience poverty or financial instability, making it difficult to prioritise essential purchases like groceries.

FoodGuard is a practical, structured tool that helps vulnerable individuals maintain food security through secure supermarket voucher delivery. We welcome applications from charities, housing associations, councils, advice services, non-profits, and professionals supporting at-risk clients.

Click here to apply