More ways to save on food

Community pantries

Pantries work a bit like a small, friendly food shop. You usually pay a small membership or weekly fee, and in return you choose your own food, which is worth much more than you pay. There's usually no referral needed, and it can feel more dignified than a parcel.

• Your Local Pantry: a network of community pantries across the UK. Search by postcode to find one near you.
• Local community and church pantries: check your council's website, your local library, or ask at your nearest community centre.

❄️ Community fridges

Community fridges share surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. It's free, there's no referral and no questions asked. Anyone can take what they need.

• Hubbub Community Fridge Network has a map of fridges across the UK.

• Olio: a free app where neighbours share surplus food and household items.
• Too Good To Go: surprise bags of unsold food from shops and cafés at a big discount.
• FareShare: redistributes surplus food to charities and community groups, so it's worth asking whether any local groups near you receive it.
• Healthy Start: if you're pregnant or have a child under 4 and are on a low income, you may get a prepaid card for fruit, veg, milk and formula. Check healthystart.nhs.uk.
• Free school meals and holiday activity and food programmes: ask your child's school or council. We covered free school meals under F.

💷 Money help can make a difference too

If you're struggling to afford food, there may be extra money you're missing out on.

• Get a free benefits check with Citizens Advice, Turn2us or Entitledto.
• Ask your local council about emergency or crisis support. In Scotland, it's the Scottish Welfare Fund. In Wales, the Discretionary Assistance Fund. In England, councils have local schemes with different names, so search for "crisis support" plus your council name. In Northern Ireland, ask about Discretionary Support.
• If you're on Universal Credit and need money before your first payment, ask about an advance.

💬 A few kind words

• Please don't wait until you're completely out of food. Reaching out early is a good thing.
• Foodbank volunteers are there to help, not to judge. Most are local people who care about their community.
• Check opening times first. Many are open only on certain days, so a quick phone call or a look at their website saves a wasted trip.
• If you have dietary needs or allergies, let them know. They'll do their best to help.
• Come and chat on the forum if you'd like some company or ideas. You're not alone. 💛

Availability and rules vary by area, so always check with your local foodbank or pantry. If you're ever in crisis or feeling overwhelmed, please contact your GP or call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, any time).