Food help in Newcastle

If you can’t afford to buy or cook food for yourself or family, help is available. Read more below to find local services, charities and community groups who can help and low cost options to help make your money go further.

Emergency food parcels

Foodbanks in Newcastle give emergency food parcels to people who are in crisis. They are usually run by volunteers. Emergency food parcels usually contain dried or tinned food that you can cook at home to make meals. You may need a referral from a professional to get a voucher and get a parcel. Foodbanks support both individuals and families who are struggling. They often offer other items such as: nappies, baby milk, period products, toiletries and pet food.

Free meals and cheap food

Charities and community groups offer free or cheap meals in Newcastle. You can also use low cost supermarkets, where you can buy discounted food and essential items.

This page also has more information about Healthy Start Vouchers, free school meals and supermarket discounts.

Find food help near you

Search our organisation directory to find food help near you.

Community cafes

Food and friends are where you can pay a small amount for a hot meal and drink and meet new people. These take place in community venues across Newcastle.

Meals at home

Meals at home are available for people to buy if you struggle to buy and cook food for yourself.

Healthy Start Scheme

NHS Healthy Start Scheme is for people who are more than 10 weeks pregnant, or have children under the age of 4, who receive certain benefits. You get a free prepaid card that’s topped up every 4 weeks to buy: milk, fruit and vegetables. You can also collect free vitamins from locations listed here.

You can use the card in shops that accept Mastercard payments and sell at least one of these Healthy Start foods.

Pets and animal food

RSPCA cost of living support hub has more information about help if you are struggling to pay for your pet care.

Emergency or crisis support

If you are in an emergency or crisis situation there are Emergency or crisis support and funds available to help you pay for energy bills, household items, furniture, food, travel and other essential items.

More information is available if you’re:

The Crisis Support Scheme has now ended.

All applications made up to and including 31 March 2024 will still be considered. If you need extra support to help with the Cost of Living you can contact the Welfare and Wellbeing Team. Read more about cost of living support on InformationNOW

Help with shopping

Help with shopping or assisted shopping services are available locally. They can collect you from home and take you to the local supermarket.

Cost of living help and support

Cost of living support website from Newcastle City Council has information about where to get help and support with housing, energy, debt, benefits, money, council tax, school and learning costs. This includes wellbeing hubs

Wellbeing Hubs

Wellbeing Hubs are warm welcoming place to spend time in Newcastle. Local venues, such as libraries and community centres, offer a range of support such as hot drinks, free wifi, place to charge your devices, information, advice and more.

Last updated: December 13, 2024