If you are struggling to afford enough food to eat, you may be able to get help from a food bank.
Each foodbank will be different in the services it provides and how you access them. However, you will usually a voucher from a local referral partner (often Citizens Advice bureaux, health and social care professionals and/or local charities). Check what you need with the food bank you want to use.
Many foodbanks may also be able to provide 'extras' such as toilet paper, toiletries, period products, baby basics or pet food. If there is something essential you need, ask your local food bank if they can help.
They may also be able to provide additional support by referring you to local services that may be able to help.
To find your local food bank, see the following websites:
Pet food
Turn2us users often ask us about sources of help for emergency pet food. Some food banks may be able to help with emergency pet food. If you have a foodbank voucher and need pet food as well, talk to the food bank staff and see if they can help.
Some people have set up pet food banks in their local areas. You could do an Internet search to see if there is anything where you live or ask your local Citizens Advice bureau, similar advisory service or animal charity, such as RSPCA, Blue Cross or Cats Protection League, if they know of any local sources of help. You can use our Find an Adviser to find local advisers
Some charitable funds listed on our Grants Search may also be able to help, if you meet their eligibility criteria for help, depending on your background, circumstances and needs, as well as what purposes they give grants for.
Not able to get to the shops
If you are unable to get food because you are not able to get to the shop, for instance because you are ill or disabled, there might be a volunteer group in your area who can help you.
Contact your local council so they can put you in touch with a group in your area.
Free school meals
Schools must provide some pupils with a free midday meal during term times. For more information who is eligible, see Free School Meals
Cooking on a budget
The Cooking on a Bootstrap website contains budget recipes by food campaigner Jack Monroe that you may find helpful.
Updated: March 2022