With the cost of living rapidly rising, more and more people are struggling to put food on the table.
Some families need to turn to foodbanks and other charities to help supply emergency food as they struggle to make ends meet. But those who've never used foodbanks before may not be aware of the criteria you need to meet to get a parcel.
Most, although not all, foodbanks require a referral, confirming that you're in need, before they'll supply any food. Some will provide food more regularly, while emergency foodbanks tend to only provide a limited number of parcels.
Read more: Petrol prices - Why fuel costs so much as the government threatens forecourts who overcharge
These are just some of the foodbanks operating in the North East and what you need to do to access them:
Tussell Trust foodbanks - including Newcastle West End foodbank, Sunderland food bank and more
The Tussell Trust supports a nationwide network of foodbanks, all of whom provide emergency food to people who can show a valid foodbank voucher. These can be provided by a number of different bodies, including Citizens Advice, children’s centres, the DWP, councils, GPs, mental health providers and health visitors.
If you don't have a referral from any of these agencies, you should contact the foodbank directly and they can put you in touch with an agency who'll be able to help. But you shouldn't turn up at a foodbank without a voucher, as you may not be able to get food there.
Get more details at https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/, where you can find your nearest foodbank and which agencies they work with.
Foodbanks in this network in the North East include:
Newcastle West End Foodbank
Sunderland Foodbank
South Tyneside Foodbank
Gateshead Foodbank
Walker and District Foodbank
Cramlington Foodbank
Wansbeck Valley Foodbank
At Wansbeck Valley Foodbank, food parcels are delivered directly by van to those in need. It offers emergency food for a minimum of three days.
In order to get help, you'll need a foodbank referral form. These can be provided by doctors, health visitors, social workers and Citizens Advice Bureau staff.
If you need help from the Wansbeck Valley Foodbank, you can talk to your doctor, or visit the Ashington or Morpeth Citizens' Advice bureau and ask for a letter of referral. Without this, you won't be able to get a food parcel.
You can then contact the foodbank, who aim to make same-day deliveries. Find their contact details at https://wansbeckvalleyfoodbank.org/need-help/
CDW Food Bank
Based in Outer West Newcastle, this foodbank hands out parcels with no voucher or referral needed, meaning it could offer vital help to those who haven't yet been able to contact an agency that can refer them.
Find out more and see how to get in touch at https://cdwfoodbank.co.uk/contact-us
Washington Community Food Project
Washington Community Food Project accepts referrals from the following:
- Gentoo
- Jobcentre
- Holy Trinity Church, Washington Village
- Social workers
- HAPS
- W.W.I.N.
- Christians Against Poverty (C.A.P.)
- N.E.C.A.
- The Cyrenians
- Age Concern
- GP Surgery
- Health Visitor
- The Minster in Sunderland
- Youth Services – for those under 18
- Probation Services
- The Police
- Any mental health nurse or doctor (CPN)
- Community Matrons
- Community Nurse
Find out more at http://wcfp.org.uk/
Newcastle Community Grocery, Byker
Whilst this community shops isn't technically a foodbank as you do have to pay for gorceries there, a large amount of food can be picked up for just £3 and anyone can become a member, making it easier for people who don't have or can't get a referral to a foodbank.
Located on Heaton Road, in the building of the Kingdom Life Church, it's open to all with no means testing: anyone who needs it can sign up for membership.
For their £3, members can pick up:
- Five portions of fresh fruit or veg
- Seven shelf items, such a pasta, sauces, tinned foods etc.
- One frozen item
- One bakery item, such as bread
- One non-food item, such as toiletries
Find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/CommunityGroceryNewcastle
St Vincent's Centre, Newcastle
Community support project St Vincent's offers an emergency foodbank, as well as warm drop-in lunches on a Tuesday.
Because it's an emergency foodbank, people can claim one parcel and then won't be able to claim again for several months. However, whilst they do accept referrals, people can also contact them directly to request help.
Find out more at: https://www.svp.org.uk/st-vincents-newcastle/
Newcastle Central Mosque
Newcastle Central Mosque provides emergency food parcels and accepts requests for help directly from its website.
Fill out the online form at https://www.newcastlecentralmosque.com/emergencyfoodparcel/ and then someone will get in touch to arrange collection.
Building Futures East, Newcastle
Building Futures East provides a delivery foodbank services for people living in the Byker and Walker areas of Newcastle. Anyone living in these locations in need of help can get a referral from professionals such as GPs, health visitors or housing workers. The foodbank provides food deliveries for those who've been referred to them two days a week. Get in touch with them at https://buildingfutureseast.org/contact-us/
Lucie's Pantry, South Shields
Run by Emmaus North East, this is another charity where people who are struggling can access food cheaply.
People who want to use the social supermarket become a member of Lucie’s Pantry. Members pay £2.50 per week and can choose items to the value of approximately £15 each week.
There's a geographical limit on who can become a member, you have to live in the area, and you can be referred by a third party or become a member by contacting the pantry directly, on 0191 489 90 01 or email pantry@emmaus-northeast.org.uk.
Find out more at https://emmaus.org.uk/north-east/shop/lucies-pantry/
Read next:
