UK Bill Help

The food banks available to families in Belfast include those operated by churches, Trussell Trust sites, and independent locations. Thousands of residents receive assistance from the centres each month, and they provide hot meals, milk, tinned meat, canned fruits, tea, and other aid. Find more information on the Belfast area sites

Volunteers work at the food banks and collect items donated from the public at collection points from across the city and Northern Ireland. Not only can a charity provide a parcel of emergency food, but they also provide other aid too. There may be clothing or furniture, or the staff will signpost a client to other services they need as they offer information on local schemes or financial assistance.

To use a foodbank, the individual or family seeking help needs to have a referral from a care worker. Or they can also contact a church or CAB for a referral. The centres are also open limited hours, so people should call in advance before they drop in.

Local free food banks in Belfast

Belfast Salvation Army Centres – There are a few locations. They have soup kitchens for the poor and vulnerable. The charity and its social workers can provide referrals to other UK and Belfast programmes too, not just food. The charity also runs a hostel for the homeless and people sleeping rough in the city.

• A food bank is at the site at 12 Station Mews, Belfast. Phone – 28 9067 5000.
• The main office is at 38 Dublin Rd. Call 28 9032 9429 for referrals to food and other programmes.
• The last location is at 2 Victoria St, Belfast. Call 28 9032 0320.

FareShare provides the ability for people and families on a low income to get a box in an emergency. The not-for-profit has canned fruits and vegetables and other items. The food bank is at Unit 117a, Weavers Court Industrial Estate, Linfield Road Belfast. Call 028 90332230.

In an emergency, including after hours, the Storehouse can provide emergency groceries or food. Cal l028 9045 4441. They help individuals that have had a reduction in their benefits or that are going hungry, and the charity has groceries, food, and other assistance.

Other items are provided in Belfast too. The charity may have household items, furniture, and clothing for the homeless and people on a low income. Assistance is for children in Belfast too, as the Storehouse foes not want them to go hungry. They main centre is at 81/83 Castlereagh Street, Belfast, BT4 5NF.

The Lighthouse is a Belfast charity located at 187 Duncairn Gardens. People that stop will be given a meal such as a sandwich and tea. Also, a box of groceries will be given to them for their family. They are a main food bank for the Lisburn and Hillhall area of Belfast. The charity can be called at 028 9260 2400.

Newtonbreda Baptist Church runs a food bank for the needy. Volunteers collect items for the poor and people facing poverty. Groceries or a hot meal is served and there is no discrimination on religion. The main site is at 43 Newtownbreda Rd, Belfast, BT8 7BQ. Ring the church at 28 9064 9402.

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is made up on volunteers and churches from the Belfast area. Not only will they pass out a free bag of food to the vulnerable, but a meals on wheels service is also available in the city for older people. The charity may offer groceries, clothing, and other support. Find additional services from Belfast Society of St Vincent de Paul.

The city of Northern Belfast can turn to a Trussell Trust affiliated foodbank. The telephone number is 079 0209 9840. For those individuals that are eligible, they can receive up to a three day worth of soup, milk, and other food items. Volunteers will also provide referrals to other support, such as information on where to apply for welfare in the Belfast area. The address is Ekenhead Halls, 19 North Circular Road, in Belfast.

Dundonald soup kitchen and food bank is another option for families facing a crisis. The not-for-profit will have non-perishable items, pasta, soup, and more. Address is Unit 20, Colvin House, Castlereagh, Enterprise Ltd, Carrowreagh Road, Dundonald, BT16 1QT. Call 07514 13900 for hours.

Families with a connection to Lisburn can call their local food bank. It is at 1-3 Graham Gardens. The applicant needs a voucher, but if they have one, food is provided. The phone number is 07756965868.

The Thriving Life Church in Belfast runs the Newtownards Foodbank. Volunteers provide free emergency food to the vulnerable and homeless, including the elderly. The address is 80 Ballyreagh Rd, or call 28 9181 3205. The charity has meals, provides shelter, and other support services.