Food banks and free food in Newcastle

There are a number of food banks which distribute free food to those who need it most in Newcastle. If you are struggling to afford to eat, food banks may be able to help.

Many churches and faith groups offer food, run drop-in cafes, or give food parcels. You could contact your local place of worship to find out if they offer food.

Foodbanks in Newcastle

Foodbanks are usually run by volunteers. You may need to be referred to a Food Bank by an agency and given a voucher. There are a number of places in Newcastle where you can get a food parcel in an emergency.

Newcastle East Foodbank in Heaton can give you food if you are in a crisis. They are open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 12.30pm. You need to be referred to them by one of their partner agencies such as the Citizens Advice Newcastle. You are then given a food bank voucher to swap for emergency food at the food bank.

Walker and District Foodbank can give you food if you are in a crisis. They are open Thursdays 11am to 1.30pm. You need to be referred to them by one of their partner agencies such as the Citizens Advice Newcastle. You are then given a food bank voucher to swap for emergency food at the food bank.

Newcastle West End Foodbank at The Venerable Bede Church can give you food if you are in a crisis. They are open Mondays and Thursdays from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm. You need to be referred to them by one of their partner agencies such as the Citizens Advice Newcastle.. You are then given a food bank voucher to swap for emergency food at the food bank.

Newcastle West End Foodbank in Benwell give you food if you are in a crisis. They are open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm. You need to be referred by one of their partner agencies such as the Citizens Advice Newcastle. When you are referred, you are given a food bank voucher which you swap for emergency food at the food bank.

Connect25 Food Bank delivers food to those who need it in Byker and Newcastle. You can complete a referral form on their website. You can have 3 food parcels a year.

The Muslim Initiative is a community association which has a monthly food bank, on the first Sunday of every month from 2pm to 3pm. They give out free food bags to anyone in need, men and women, regardless of their faith or non-belief. Each food bag typically contains rice, pasta, tins and jars of food. You do not need to be referred to this food bank. You can turn up or email beforehand to let us know they are coming. Please note before giving you a food bag they will ask the reason why you are in need. You will need to provide proof of your address.

Hot food available in Newcastle

Volunteers prepare hot nutritious meals for people in need in Newcastle. You can visit

FoodCycle Byker where volunteers cook a 3 course meal on Mondays at 12.30pm at Byker Community Centre.

FoodCycle Walker where volunteers cook a tasty community meal on Thursdays at 6pm at Pottery Bank Community Centre.

The People’s Kitchen serve hot food 7 times a week to people who need it in Newcastle on:

• Mondays and Thursdays at their Outreach van on Trafalgar Street 7.30pm to 8.30pm
• Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Alison Centre 6.30pm to 8.45pm
• Sundays, at their Outreach van on Old Eldon Square from 9am to 10.45am. During the Winter it is at the Alison Centre, Bath Lane.

Vinnie’s Café at Blackfriars give free hot meals to those who are most in need. Meals are cooked by volunteers on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 11am and 1.30pm.

Changing Lives have a Drop in for rough sleepers at Crisis Skylight 7 days a week where you can get free meals, access washing machines and showers.

• Mondays to Fridays 8am to 12pm
• Saturdays 8am to 1pm
• open during afternoons to support people to access health appointments and housing advice

Other help available in Newcastle

Last updated: May 3, 2019