Free food and food banks
There are places where you can get free or cheap food. You do not need a referral to use some local food banks and pantries.
If you need help getting food home, ask the pantry or food bank about deliveries.
Free and cheap food with no referral
There are independent food banks and other places you can use without a referral.
Soup kitchens serve ready to eat food without a referral.
Search for what's available locally from:
- pantries (Your Local Pantry)
- community fridge map
- weekly food bags (The Bread and Butter Thing)
- community meals (FoodCycle)
Some of these have no rules about who can access them. For others, you might need to:
- bring something to prove who you are or where you live, like a utility bill
- pay some money
Contact them to find out. You could also read these free guides:
Vouchers and local food pantries
Ask your local authority about:
- their crisis fund and emergency supermarket vouchers
- food partnerships, who can tell you what's available in your area
- emergency payments that you do not have to pay back
- local food pantries, community fridges and ‘social supermarkets’
Find your local authority (GOV.UK)
Find a food bank
You do not need money to get food from a food bank.
Some local community ‘pantries’, fridges’ and food banks do not require a referral. Ask if you’re not sure.
Trussell food banks and referrals
You need a referral for Trussell food banks.
The person referring you may give you a voucher. You should receive at least 3 days of food. Plan how you will get it home, particularly if it’s for you and your family.
You can ask for a referral from your:
- local Citizens Advice
- social worker
- child’s school
- your local authority
Apply for free school meals (GOV.UK)
If you do not get a referral at first, ask if there’s somewhere else that could provide either:
- a referral
- food without a referral
Asking how to make a formal complaint may also help.
Food parcels and delivery
If you need to use a food bank but cannot travel, ask if they can deliver food parcels.
The Royal Voluntary Service has a transport service.
Find out about transport services in your area (Royal Voluntary Service)
Dietary requirements
Tell the food bank if you have any dietary requirements. They may be able to swap food items, depending on what they have. For example:
- no meat or just some types of meat
- gluten-free alternatives
- dairy-free alternatives
Warning Supporting your mental health
If you are struggling with your mental health, ask for support when you can.
Looking after your mental health and wellbeing is important. Everyone manages their mental health differently.
For contact details of organisations that can help, go to:
If you have a child under 4 or are pregnant
You may be eligible for vouchers for milk and healthy foods through NHS Healthy Start.
To be eligible you need to:
- receive Universal Credit or Tax Credits
- meet the eligibility criteria for income
How to apply (NHS Healthy Start)
Healthy Start (easy read PDF guide)
You could also see if there is a local baby bank.
Food sharing apps
You could also try these apps:
OLIO
OLIO connects neighbours with each other and with local businesses to share surplus food.
Too Good To Go
This anti-food waste app lets you rescue unsold food from businesses to save it from going to waste.
Last reviewed by Scope on: 06/06/2024
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