Free meals and cheap food in Newcastle
There are free hot meals and takeaway food provided by volunteer and community groups in Newcastle. They welcome people who are hungry or lonely to eat a hot meal.
There are community meals and pay as you feel supermarkets where you can buy low cost food. These often use food donated by companies where it would otherwise go to waste.
Looking for other food support? Visit our pages on:
- Food banks in Newcastle for Emergency Food Parcel information
- Help with food shopping or prescriptions during the coronavirus
- If you are self-isolating due to Covid and struggling to get the food you need, you can contact the council’s Welfare and Wellbeing Team
Use the Quick links on the right to jump to the information you need or scroll down for more details on what’s available in Newcastle.
During the Coronavirus there may be changes to services availability and opening times. We keep this page up to date but things change quickly. Please check with the service to make sure it’s still available and how to access it.
Temporary free meal provision during the coronavirus
| Name | What’s available | How to access |
| Pottery Bank Community Centre
Address: Yelverton Crescent, Pottery Bank, Walker, Telephone: 0191 224 2349 Website: Pottery Bank Facebook Page Email: info@potterybankcc.co.uk |
Meal collection and distributions from community catering | Contact Jacqui Higgins |
| The People’s Kitchen
Address: The Allison Centre, 56 Bath Lane, NE4 5SQ Telephone: 0191 222 0699 Website: peopleskitchen.co.uk Email: info@peopleskitchen.co.uk |
Drop in takeaway food
Free hot food to people who need it on the street in Newcastle |
Time: Monday to Friday 7pm to 8.15 pm, Saturday to Sunday 10am to 11.15 am
Who can use it: adults How: drop in Cost: free |
| Food Nation
Website: foodnation.org Jamie Sadler Email: Jamie@foodnation.org |
Food Nation weekly doorstep delivery of pre-prepared, easy to heat meals for those in need. | Referral Citylife line
|
| Cornerstone Benwell
Address: 62 Armstrong Road, Telephone: 0191 226 0941 Website: cornerstonebenwell.com Email: cornerstonebenwell@gmail.com |
Hot food and food parcels.
Dependant on transport and volunteers. |
Time: Hot food delivery Monday to Friday; food parcels Monday to Sunday.
Who can use it: adults How: email or phone Cost: free Opening Times: 9:30 to 3:30pm |
| Foodcycle schemes
|
Offering free meals on different days of the week. Benwell on Monday; Monkchester in Walker on Wednesdays and Byker and Westgate on Thursdays.
See days of the week below. |
Who can use it: all welcome
How: email and then collect Cost: free |
| Newcastle Central Mosque
Address: Newcastle Central Mosque, The White House Telephone 0191 273 0262 Website: newcastlecentralmosque.com |
Emergency Food Parcel will be delivered 8 hours from receipt of the online form.
School meals during the holidays or half term. |
Fill in a form on their website |
Free and low cost food available
Mondays
| Name | What’s available | How to access |
| The People’s Kitchen
Address: The Allison Centre, 56 Bath Lane, NE4 5SQ Telephone: 0191 222 0699 Website: peopleskitchen.co.uk Email: info@peopleskitchen.co.uk |
Free hot food takeaway at the Arches for people who need it on the street in Newcastle | Time: Monday to Friday 7pm to 8.15 pm
Saturday to Sunday 10am to 11.15 am Who can use it: adults How: drop in Cost: free |
| Changing Lives City Homeless Drop in Service
Address: Crisis Skylight Newcastle, City Road, NE1 2AF Telephone: 0191 232 5699 |
1 or 2 clients at a time, half an hour max for a shower and breakfast
A free warm breakfast Clothes washing facilities Showers Advice on housing, health services and access to drug workers. |
Time: 8am to 12pm
Who can use it: people at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness in Newcastle How: drop in Cost: free |
| FoodCycle Benwell
Address: Riverside Community Health Project Carnegie Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 8XS Website: foodcycle.org.uk/location/newcastle-benwell Telephone: 07377 866 316 Email: benwell@foodcycle.org.uk |
Food collection. Email in advance. | Time: 7 pm to 8pm
Who can use it: all welcome How: email Cost: free
|
| St Vincent’s Support Centre
Address: Newbridge Street, NE1 2TQ Telephone: 0191 261 6027 Website: svp.org.uk/st-vincents-newcastle Email: emmab@svp.org.uk |
Free emergency packs of food, clothing, toiletries and sanitary products for those in need. | Time: Monday to Friday
Who can use it: Adults. All welcome How: call or email to arrange collection Cost: pay what you feel for your meal
|
Tuesdays
| Name | What’s available | How to access |
| St Vincent’s Centre
Address: Newbridge Street Telephone: 0191 261 6027 Website: svp.org.uk/st-vincents-newcastle Email: emmab@svp.org.uk |
Free hot take away meals cooked by volunteers. Free emergency packs of food, clothing, toiletries and sanitary products for those in need. |
Time: 11am to 1.30pm takeaway meals
Who can use it: Adults. All welcome How: drop in to collect a takeaway meal Call or email to arrange collection of food, clothing or toiletries parcel Cost: free |
| The People’s Kitchen
Address: The Allison Centre, 56 Bath Lane, NE4 5SQ Telephone: 0191 222 0699 Website: peopleskitchen.co.uk Email: info@peopleskitchen.co.uk |
Free hot food takeaway at the Arches for people who need it on the street in Newcastle
Free hot meal for people who are homeless or vulnerable. Showers and clothing is available |
Time: Monday to Friday 7pm to 8.15 pm
Saturday to Sunday 10am to 11.15 am Who can use it: adults How: drop in Cost: free |
| Changing Lives City Homeless Drop in Service
Address: Crisis Skylight Newcastle, City Road, NE1 2AF Telephone: 0191 232 5699 |
1 or 2 clients at a time, half an hour max for a shower and breakfast
A free warm breakfast Clothes washing facilities Showers Advice on housing, health services and access to drug workers. |
Time: 8am to 12pm
Who can use it: people at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness in Newcastle How: drop in Cost: free |
| Byker Pantry – Life Vineyard Church Foodbank
Address: Life Vineyard Church, 11–13 Raby Cross, , Byker, NE6 2FF Telephone: 07470 126 508
|
Food parcels delivered.
Service is still operating, but the community drop in centre has been suspended Buy low cost food using the Byker Pantry points scheme. |
Time: 2 to 3.30 pm
Who can use it: people who live or work in Byker or have a child at school in Byker. How: drop in. You exchange money for points. Then buy food items which are priced in points. Cost: low cost |
Wednesday
| Name | What’s available | How to access |
| Byker Pantry Life Vineyard Church Foodbank
Address: Life Vineyard Church, 11 – 13 Raby Cross, Raby Way, Byker, NE6 2FF Website: lifevineyard.church/ministries/the-byker-pantry Email: Mike.leddra@hotmail.com Telephone: 07470 126 508 Telephone: 07495 484492
|
Food parcels delivered.
Service is still operating, but the community drop in centre has been suspended Buy low cost food using the Byker Pantry points scheme. Items are at least half the price of a supermarket.
|
Time: 2pm to 3.30 pm
Who can use it: people who live or work in Byker or have a child at school in Byker. How: Go to Heaton Baptist Church. Cost: low cost
|
| St Vincent’s Centre
Address: Newbridge Street, NE1 2TQ Telephone: 0191 261 6027 Website: svp.org.uk/st-vincents-newcastle Email: emmab@svp.org.uk |
Free emergency packs of food, clothing, toiletries and sanitary products for those in need. | Time: Monday to Friday
Who can use it: all welcome How: Call or email to arrange collection |
| St Martin’s Centre
Address: Roman Avenue, Byker, Tyne and Wear, NE6 2RJ Telephone: 0191 276 4002 Website: stmartinscentre.org.uk Email: info@stmartinscentre.org.uk |
SUSPENDED
Low cost Community Lunch. 2 course meal with tea and coffee, games and bingo |
Time: 11am to 1pm
Who can use it: all welcome How: drop in Cost: £3.50 |
| FoodCycle Monkchester
Address: Monkchester Community Centre, 208 Monkchester Road, Walker, NE6 2LJ Website: foodcycle.org.uk/location/monkchester Email: monkchester@foodcycle.org.uk |
Food for collection.
. |
Time: 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Who can use it: all welcome How: email to arrange collection Cost: free |
| The People’s Kitchen
Address: The Allison Centre, 56 Bath Lane, NE4 5SQ Telephone: 0191 222 0699 Website: peopleskitchen.co.uk Email: info@peopleskitchen.co.uk |
Drop in takeaway at the Arches
Free hot meal for people who are vulnerable or homeless. Showers and clothing is available |
Time: Monday to Friday 7pm to 8.15pm
Saturday to Sunday 10am to 11.15am Who can use it: adults How: drop in Cost: free |
| Changing Lives City Homeless Drop in Service
Address: Crisis Skylight Newcastle, City Road, NE1 2AF Telephone: 0191 232 5699 |
1 or 2 clients at a time, half an hour max for a shower and breakfast
A free warm breakfast Clothes washing facilities Showers Advice on housing, health services and access to drug workers. |
Time: 8am to 12pm
Who can use it: people at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness in Newcastle How: drop in Cost: free |
Thursday
| Name | What’s available | How to access |
|
Address: St Silas’ Church, Clifford Street, Byker, NE6 1DR Website: foodcycle.org.uk/location/byker/ Email:byker@foodcycle.org.uk |
Food for collection. Email in advance. | Time: 7pm to 8pm
Who can use it: all welcome How: email in advance and collect Cost: free |
|
Address: Westgate Baptist Church, NE4 6QD |
Food for collection. Email in advance. | Time: 7 pm to 8pm
Who can use it: all welcome How: email in advance and collect. Cost: free |
| The People’s Kitchen
Address: The Allison Centre, 56 Bath Lane, NE4 5SQ Telephone: 0191 222 0699 Website: peopleskitchen.co.uk Email: info@peopleskitchen.co.uk |
Drop in takeaway at the Arches
Free hot meal for people who are homeless or vulnerable. Showers and clothing is available |
Time: Monday to Friday 7pm to 8.15 pm
Saturday to Sunday 10am to 11.15 am Who can use it: adults How: drop in Cost: free |
| Changing Lives City Homeless Drop in Service
Address: Crisis Skylight Newcastle, City Road, NE1 2AF Telephone: 0191 232 5699 Telephone: 0191 273 8891 Website: changing-lives.org.uk |
1 or 2 clients at a time, half an hour max for a shower and breakfast
A free warm breakfast Clothes washing facilities Showers Advice on housing, health services and access to drug workers. |
Time: 8am to 12pm
Who can use it: people at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness in Newcastle How: drop in Cost: free |
| Byker Pantry Life Vineyard Church Foodbank
Address: Life Vineyard Church, 11–13 Raby Cross, Byker, NE6 2FF Website: lifevineyard.church/projects Email: Mike.leddra@hotmail.com Telephone: 07470 126 508 Telephone: 07495 484492 |
Food parcels delivered.
Service is still operating, but the community drop in centre has been suspended Buy low cost food using the Byker Pantry points scheme. Items are at least half the price of a supermarket. |
Time: 2pm to 3.30 pm
Who can use it: people who live or work in Byker or have a child at school in Byker. How: drop in. You exchange money for points. Then buy food items which are priced in points. Cost: low cost
|
| St Vincent’s Centre
Address: Newbridge Street, NE1 2TQ Telephone: 0191 261 6027 Website: svp.org.uk/st-vincents-newcastle Email: emmab@svp.org.uk |
Free emergency packs of food, clothing, toiletries and sanitary products for those in need. | Time: Monday to Friday
Who can use it: all welcome How: Call or email to arrange collection
|
Fridays
| Name | What’s available | How to access |
| Byker Pantry Life Vineyard Church Foodbank
Address: Life Vineyard Church, 11–13 Raby Cross, Byker, NE6 2FF Website: lifevineyard.church/projects Email: Mike.leddra@hotmail.com Telephone: 07470 126 508
|
Food parcels delivered.
Service is still operating, but the community drop in centre has been suspended Buy low cost food using the Byker Pantry points scheme. Items are at least half the price of a supermarket.
|
Time: 2 to 3.30 pm
Who can use it: people who live or work in Byker or have a child at school in Byker. How: drop in. You exchange money for points. Then buy food items which are priced in points. Cost: low cost
|
| The People’s Kitchen
Address: The Allison Centre, 56 Bath Lane, NE4 5SQ Telephone: 0191 222 0699 Website: peopleskitchen.co.uk Email: info@peopleskitchen.co.uk |
Drop in takeaway at the Arches see above
Free hot meal for people who are homeless or vulnerable Clothing is available |
Time: Monday to Friday 7pm to 8.15 pm, Saturday to Sunday 10am to 11.15 am
Who can use it: adults How: drop in Cost: free |
| Changing Lives City Homeless Drop in Service
Address: Crisis Skylight Newcastle, City Road, NE1 2AF Telephone: 0191 232 5699 Telephone: 0191 273 8891 Website: changing-lives.org.uk |
1 or 2 clients at a time, half an hour max for a shower and breakfast
A free warm breakfast Clothes washing facilities Showers Advice on housing, health services and access to drug workers. |
Time: 8am to 12pm
Who can use it: people at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness in Newcastle How: drop in Cost: free |
| St Vincent’s Centre
Address: Newbridge Street, NE1 2TQ Telephone: 0191 261 6027 Website: svp.org.uk/st-vincents-newcastle Email: emmab@svp.org.uk |
Free emergency packs of food, clothing, toiletries and sanitary products for those in need. | Time: Monday to Friday
Who can use it: all welcome How: Call or email to arrange collection
|
Sundays
| Name | What’s available | How to access |
| The People’s Kitchen
Address: The Allison Centre, 56 Bath Lane, NE4 5SQ Telephone: 0191 222 0699 Website: peopleskitchen.co.uk Email: info@peopleskitchen.co.uk |
Drop in for takeaway meals
Free hot meal for people who are homeless or vulnerable Clothing is available |
Time: Saturday to Sunday 10am to 11.15 am
Who can use it: adults How: drop in Cost: free |
The services listed on this page are provided by organisations independent to the council. We update this information regularly, but opening times and availability can change. Opening times are different during bank holidays and over Christmas and New Year. Before attending a session we recommend you check it is running and that you’re eligible to receive the service. Some services are only for adults or rough sleepers. Please note there may be a limit to the number of times you can access a service due to high demands in Newcastle. You can read more about InformationNOW’s Terms and Conditions.
Free food support for families and children
If you receive certain benefits you can access additional food support for your children.
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 can get free vouchers or payments every 4 weeks to buy for the child:
- cow’s milk
- fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables
- infant formula milk
- fresh, dried, and tinned pulses
- You can also get free Healthy Start vitamins.
You can use the vouchers in supermarkets, greengrocers, pharmacies and convenience stores.
Find out if you are eligible and how to apply on the NHS Healthy Start Website.
Free school meals
Free school meals are available to children whose parents receive certain benefits and are at:
- government funded schools, full time, up to the age of 19,
- or in a nursery class or nursery school and attending for full days.
The government has temporarily extended free school meals to families with no recourse to public funds during the coronavirus pandemic.
Find out if you’re eligible for free school meals and how to apply on Newcastle.gov.uk
Free school meals during school holidays
Children who receive free school meals during term time because they’re eligible, will receive up to £90 of food vouchers for the summer holidays. This will be arranged by the child’s school. Newcastle City Council will contact those who are registered to receive free meals who don’t have a school place.
Early years children (3 and 4 year olds in Newcastle) who receive a funded free early years entitlement for their place at either school, pre-school playgroup, day nursery or childminder. And meet the criteria for free school meals, should also be offered a food voucher by their early years provider.
Universal free school meals for Reception children, Year 1 and Year 2
Universal free school meals are available to all children in government funded schools in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2. You don’t have to apply for universal free school meals and you do not have to receive benefits to be eligible for them. It is for all children aged 4 to 8 years old. This does not mean you are eligible for the school holiday vouchers. The vouchers are for children who meet the eligibility criteria for free school meals mentioned above.
Please note: Your child and their school may be able to get extra help if you get one of the qualifying benefits for free school meals. Apply for free school meals so that the council can check if your child is eligible for the extra help, even if your child is in reception, year 1 or year 2.
Newcastle Best Summer Ever Programme
Newcastle Best Summer Ever is a free summer holiday activity scheme for 5 to 18 year olds. Fun, sports, art and cultural activities are available in over 150 locations across Newcastle. Free healthy meals are also provided during the sessions. Helping to keep children, fit and fed through the summer. Newcastle City Council and StreetGames are working with over 70 community partners to give children and young people in Newcastle a happy and enjoyable summer. Read the Best Summer Ever booklet or visit their Facebook page for more information on activities and how to book.
Summer activities are also listed on InformationNOW.
Last updated: July 23, 2021
