Can’t afford food? What help is available right now in the UK

If you can’t afford food right now, this page is for you.

You don’t need to read every word. Start at the top, work your way down, and stop once you’ve got food sorted.

This help is here for moments like this.

Lots of people reach this point because of rising bills, benefit delays, or something unexpected.

Skint Dad says:

When food is the problem today, deal with today first. You can sort the rest once you’re fed.

Start here if you need food today

The fastest way to get food in the UK is usually a food bank.

Most food banks are part of the Trussell network. You can find the nearest one using this tool: Find a food bank near you

Click your area, then check opening times. If one is closed, scroll and try the next nearest.

Many food banks need a referral voucher. These are often given by:

• Citizens Advice
• your GP or health worker
• your child’s school
• your local council
• local charities or support workers

If you don’t have a referral yet, Trussell explains how to get one here: How to get a food bank referral.

If that feels like a barrier, keep going. Not all food banks work the same way.

If Trussell food banks aren’t an option

Some areas have independent food banks, community fridges, pantries and free meal schemes that don’t need vouchers.

This tool shows local food help across the UK: Find independent food banks and community food support

These can be especially useful if:

• food banks are closed
• you’ve already used one recently
• you need extra help alongside a food parcel
  

Ask your council for emergency food help

If money has completely run out, your council may be able to help with food or vouchers.

Support varies by area, but it can include supermarket vouchers or emergency payments.

Start with this government page, which explains what help exists and how to contact your council: Check what help your council can offer

If you speak to your council, say this clearly: “I can’t afford food and need emergency help.”

Outside England, use these official schemes:

• Scotland: Scottish Welfare Fund (Crisis Grants)
• Wales: Discretionary Assistance Fund
• Northern Ireland: Discretionary Support

Charities that can sort this with you

If food problems are linked to benefits, debt, or delays, these charities can help quickly.

Citizens Advice can help you get food support and sort next steps: Citizens Advice.

If debt has swallowed your food money, StepChange explains emergency help here: StepChange emergency support.

If you need grants you don’t pay back, try: Turn2us grants search.

If food problems are part of wider money worries, our guide on what to do if you can’t pay your bills may help next.

If you have young children

If you’re pregnant or have a child under 4, check Healthy Start. It helps with food and milk if you qualify.

Official information and how to apply:

• Healthy Start scheme
• How to apply for Healthy Start

This won’t always help today, but it can stop this happening again.

One simple next step

If everything feels too much, start with Citizens Advice or your nearest food bank. Tell them you can’t afford food right now.

This help exists because people need it. Using it is a practical decision when money is tight.

If you’re struggling with other bills or money worries, you can find more calm, practical help in our Help & Support hub.