Food help in Newcastle

If you can’t afford to buy or cook food for yourself 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.

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

You can search our organisation directory to find foodbanks or food help near you.

Search for foodbanks or food

Choose your location from the drop down list or enter your postcode to get a list of places that can 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 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 vitamins. 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

Emergency funds and support if you are in an emergency or crisis situation there are some funds available from Newcastle City Council and the Department for Work in Pensions to help you pay for energy bills, household items, furniture, food, travel and other essential items.

More information is available if you’re:

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 support

Cost of living help and support from Newcastle City Council

Newcastle City Council’s Cost of Living website has information about where to get help and support on a range of issues. This includes with:

Benefits, debt, money and energy advice
Housing support
Wellbeing Hubs – a directory of places offer support. This includes community centres and libraries where people can go to stay warm while accessing free wi-fi, help and advice, learning new skills and taking part in activities such as cookery classes. You can also register your service as a Hub here.
Help with school and learning costs, free childcare
Council tax discounts and exemptions
Crisis support and emergency funds

You can contact the Cost of Living Helpline at Newcastle City Council for help and support. You can complete their online form to ask for help or call the free helpline. They can signpost you to local help and support including:

emergency food parcels
wellbeing hubs: warm spaces in the local community where you can spend time and enjoy facilities such as Wi-Fi, hot drinks or food.
help to mange your electricity or gas payments

Winter Wellbeing Hubs

Winter Wellbeing Hubs are a 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 Wi-Fi, place to charge your devices, information, advice and more.

Visit Newcastle.gov.uk to find what support is available at a hub near you.

Last updated: November 20, 2023