Resources

If you need food help today

These services exist for everyone. You do not need to be in crisis to ask. Most food banks need a referral from a partner agency such as Citizens Advice, your GP, a school or social worker — the link below explains how that works.

• Trussell Trust food bank locator

  Find your nearest Trussell food bank. Most food banks require a referral from a partner agency such as Citizens Advice, your GP, school, or social worker.

  UK-wide

• Independent Food Aid Network

  Network of independent food banks and pantries across the UK. Useful when Trussell does not cover your area.

  UK-wide

• Citizens Advice

  Free help with benefits, debt, housing and budgeting. Can refer you to a food bank and check whether you are receiving the support you are entitled to.

  England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland

• Turn2us

  Search hardship grants from over 1,400 charitable funds. Many do not require repayment.

  UK-wide

• Healthy Start

  NHS prepaid card scheme — weekly money for milk, fruit, vegetables, infant formula and vitamins. For pregnant women and families with a child under 4 on qualifying benefits.

  England, Wales, Northern Ireland

• Local Welfare Assistance

  Most councils run a hardship scheme that can provide emergency food, fuel or essential household items. Find yours via gov.uk.

  England (Scotland, Wales, NI have separate schemes — linked from this page)

• The Felix Project

  Rescues food and distributes it via community food hubs, schools and charities. Find a hub near you.

  Greater London

• FareShare

  Find a community group near you that receives FareShare surplus food and may run a community kitchen, pantry or breakfast club.

  UK-wide