Grocery savings and food assistance

Hardship payments and grants

If your benefits have been stopped or you find yourself in urgent financial need, you may be eligible for hardship payments. Your local council can provide crisis or discretionary grants to help with immediate needs such as food, heating or essential items.

Crisis grants don’t need to be repaid and the amount you may receive will depend on your council’s budget and the priority level of your application. Contact your local council for more details about hardship payments and grants.

Food assistance programmes

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army provides vital support services, including meals, shelter, financial aid and community outreach programmes. They run soup kitchens and other services to help people facing financial difficulties. You can find your nearest Salvation Army service through websites like A Church Near You or The Salvation Army’s website.

Healthy Start vouchers

If you’re pregnant (over ten weeks) or have a child under four, you may be eligible for Healthy Start vouchers to help you buy healthy food and milk. In Scotland, a similar programme called Best Start Foods offers the same support.

Free school meals

If your child qualifies for free school meals, you may also be eligible for up to £150 towards the cost of school uniforms through your local council. Check with your council to see if you quality for free school meals and any extra support.

National Breakfast Clubs

Many schools offer National Breakfast Clubs supported by a government subsidy, providing affordable breakfast options for children across the country. These breakfast clubs help ensure that children start their school day with a nutritious meal.

Holiday activities and food programmes

Children who are eligible for free school meals may also have access to free holiday activities and meals during school holidays, including the Easter, Summer and Christmas breaks. These programmes help provide additional support during times when school meals are unavailable.

Smart ways to save on food shopping

Use loyalty programmes and coupons

Take advantage of supermarket loyalty programmes and coupons to cut down on your grocery bills:

• Check online for the latest supermarket coupons and cashback deals.
• Did you know you can claim back two years’ worth of unused Tesco Clubcard vouchers? Log in to your online Clubcard account to check your voucher balance.

Shop smart

Here are some practical tips to help save money on your food shopping:

• Check weekly offers using supermarket apps to see what’s on sale.
• Shop later in the evening, when shops often reduce the price of perishable items.
• Compare prices across different supermarkets to find the best sales and offers.
• Meal plan, make a list and set a budget.
• Grow your own fruit and vegetables.
• Check out ‘wonky veg’ offerings  – they’re often discounted and just as nutritious.
• Avoid convenience stores wherever possible, as they tend to have higher prices than supermarkets.
• Opt for own-label products instead of big brands.
• Stock up on non-perishable items when they’re on sale or part of a promotion.
• Join loyalty schemes to earn points or receive special offers.
• Find budget-friendly recipes online (websites like BBC Good Food and Skint Dad offer meals at under £1 per person).

Accessing emergency food support

Food banks and soup kitchens

• If you’re struggling to afford food, local food banks can provide immediate support. You can find your nearest food bank through organisations like Trussell Trust.
• If you live in a rural area and can’t easily get to a food bank, some may offer delivery services – be sure to contact them to check.
• Soup kitchens, often run by charities and churches, provide free or low-cost hot meals to people in need, especially those facing homelessness or financial hardship. To find a local soup kitchen, check with your local council or visit charities like Trussell Trust.
• You may not need an appointment to visit a soup kitchen, but it’s a good idea to check their opening hours or whether a referral is needed.

In addition to food banks and soup kitchens, there are various community initiatives, including community meals and school meal support, that can help ease the burden of food costs.