Find cheap food this winter
Food and energy prices are already eye-watering and winter has only just begun.
But there are charities, organisations and apps doing all they can to help families access free or cheap food.
Here are some ways to find cheaper food for you and your family.
Social supermarkets
Social supermarkets aim to offer families and individuals on low incomes a long-term, sustainable option for lower-cost food and to build a supportive community.
Some social supermarkets are open to all, while some will only be open to those on means-tested benefits or those who work or are retired from the NHS, emergency services or care system.
Most of the groceries available at a social supermarket are extra stock from mainstream supermarkets so may have damaged packaging or be past their best-before date. Products that are past their use-by date would not be sold. Toiletries are often available as well.
Most social supermarkets are run using a membership scheme where customers pay a weekly subscription of £3.50, to cover the store's running costs, which entitles customers to £25 worth of groceries.
Some are free to join and sell items like a normal supermarket at heavily reduced prices.
To try and find a social supermarket near you you can contact your local council or try the following organisations to see if they run a social supermarket near you:
NHS Healthy Start
NHS Healthy Start - if you're pregnant and/or have a child under 4 you may be eligible for a Healthy Start card which gets pre-loaded with money each week to spend on milk, formula and fruit and vegetables. You can also use the card to get free vitamins. Find out more here.
Community-based projects
Hubbub Community Fridge Network
Community fridges are run by community groups in shared spaces such as schools, community centres and shops and their main purpose is saving fresh food from going to waste.
The Community Fridge Network is coordinated by Hubbub and there are currently over 300 fridges across the UK with plans to fund 500 fridges by the end of 2023 thanks to a partnership with Co-op.
Find your nearest community fridge.
TBBT, founded in Manchester in 2016, works with manufacturers, retailers and the hospitality industry to redistribute food surplus to people who need it the most. Its community vans regularly redistribute over 100 tonnes of food a week to almost 80 community locations.
To use the service you need to join as a member but there is no joining criteria so anyone can sign up.
If you are interested in using TBBT’s affordable food service email them at hello@breadandbutterthing.org or text 07860 063304.
Or use the sign-up form on the organisation's website.
Once registered, members receive a weekly text offering the food service which they can then collect for their hub. The first week is free.
The Real Junk Food Project is a charity that runs around 100 cafés across the UK, where you can pay what you want for food that would otherwise go to waste. Search online for 'Real Junk Food Project near me'.
Useful apps and websites
Olio app — See what food your neighbours and your local businesses no longer need and are giving away. If there's anything you want you can arrange to go and collect it.
Approved Food sells clearance food and drink at discount prices.
To Good To Go connects you with local cafés, bakeries and restaurants that have leftover food at the end of the day, and lets you buy it at a discounted rate.
Food banks
If you are really struggling to afford food, you may need to use a foodbank.
The Trussell Trust can help locate a foodbank near to you but you will need to be referred by a GP, social worker, local authorities or Citizens Advice.
Other assistance
The Household Support Fund is a £421m government fund given to local authorities to distribute to the families most in need. The Fund can be used to support households with the cost of food, bills and other essential costs. Contact your local council to see if you're eligible.
