Free food banks Cambridgeshire

An increasing number of families in Cambridgeshire are struggling to provide food and groceries for their families. Free food banks as well as soup kitchens in the area can be turn to help help. They help deal with the income disparity that is increasing in the county. People that need help, including those that have had a reduction in benefits or that were impacted by a redundancy, are turning to charities such as the Salvation Army or Trussell Trust in Cambridge for free food, meals, and other services, such as sign posting.

There are a few main centres available in Cambridgeshire, with more foodbanks and soup kitchens being opened as time goes on. Information on the locations is below, including the distribution centres and the items they provide such as soup, pasta sauces, cereals, and tinned meats. When seeking help from a charity, a referral or voucher is usually needed, as self-referrals are not commonly accepted. So also talk to staff at the Citizens Advice Bureau or a front line professional, such as a doctor or social worker.

Church based food banks

Wisbech Baptist Church operates a food bank. Many of the people that use the centre have had a reduction in their benefits, are struggling with their rent, and are on a low income and can’t get ahead. The church will offer fruits, meats, milk, and baby supplies too. Volunteers from the Baptist church may also deliver meals to the elderly, and there are free Christmas food items too. Telephone is 7810 087274, or address is Hill Street, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, BE13 1BA.

St Neots foodbank is located at 2B Little End Road Eaton Socon Cambridgeshire PE19 8JH. Call for more information on services.

Other places for grocery or food help in Cambridgeshire

With service every day of the week, the Cambridge Trussell Trust will provide the needy and vulnerable with up to three days of food in an emergency. Volunteers work at the not-for-profit to collect items from the public, sort the food or groceries, and then pack it into boxes. More volunteers are donations are always needed from the well of in Cambridgeshire, so please donate if you can. The main locations of the charity are below.

• St Pauls Centre is open on Monday in Cambridge at 2 Hills Road.
• Chesterton Methodist Church in Cheterton provides free meals and food on Tuesday.
• OLEM, or the Lady and English Martyrs in Cambridge, can help on Wednesdays.
• People seeking help on Thursday can drop in at the Arbury Church of the Good Shepherd for a free, emergency food parcel.
• Friday distribution centres include St Pauls Centre in Cambridge as well the C3 Centre in Trumpington.

The main Trussell Trust office is at Little End Road, Eaton Socon, Cambridgeshire, PE19 8JH, and the phone is 7599 903037. For more information, including where to get a voucher, call or drop in.

Local welfare from Peterborough council can help with food, groceries, and emergency needs. This is part of the government funding. A parcel with 3 days of free food can be offered, and there may be canned or tinned meats, vegetables, bread, and more. Many families in poverty or on benefits use this and combine it with free food banks. More on Peterborough emergency assistance scheme.

The Salvation Army is a Christian Charity that offers food. They do not discriminate, and anyone that is struggling can get assistance. Non-perishable food is collected and provided by volunteers to those in a crisis, and examples are fruit juice, soup, rice, canned fruits, tinned meats and fish, and more. There are also free Christmas meals during the winter.

Staff will also signpost the client to other services in Cambridgeshire, both government and charity. The aim is to address housing and prevent hunger. The main centres are below.

• Tenison Rd, Cambridge, and this site can be called at 1223 367633.
• Another food bank is at 184 High St, Cottenham, Cambridge, telephone 1954 252419.

Cambridgeshire Citizens Advice Bureau has referrals to these charities. They operate from an office at 66 Devonshire Rd, Cambridge CB1 2BL, and while not providing direct aid, with the changing benefits and charities in the area, the office can be a great place for information and can be called at 844 848 7979.

The city of Cambridge has a free foodbank for people with a local connection. It is at 14 Alpha Terrace, Trumpington. A parcel of food is available, as well as referrals to other programmes, including housing, soup kitchens, and information on welfare schemes. This site partners with the local Citizens Advice Bureau too. Telephone 07772 538628.