Struggling to afford food

Foodbanks

Foodbanks can provide short-term help if you're struggling to afford and buy food. 

Find a local foodbank or get a foodbank voucher on the Trussell Trust's website.

See a list of foodbanks on the Norfolk Community Directory.

Food hubs

Norfolk Community Foundation's Nourishing Norfolk food hubs (opens new window) provide a range of food support. This includes:

• Community fridges and larders. These are usually open to anyone in the community. Food can be taken for free
• Food pantries. These tend to be members-only and often charge small amounts for their food. They offer a greater choice of products than a community fridge
• Community supermarkets. These have a membership system that allows customers to buy food at heavily discounted rates

Community fridges

Community fridges are a longer-term solution if you are struggling to buy food.

Find local community fridges on the Norfolk recycles website. You can just turn up during their opening hours. You don't need to book or have a referral.

Community fridges cannot give you all your dietary needs. For example, there is no guarantee of certain foods.

Food apps

The Too Good to Go app enables you to reserve bags of food at much reduced prices at local stores close to you. These will typically be a mix of products that are close to sell by dates.

Meanwhile, the Olio app connects neighbours with each other and with local businesses so surplus food can be shared, not thrown away.

Free school meals

Low-income families might be eligible for their child to receive free school meals.