Hertfordshire food banks

People living on a low income in Hertfordshire County can turn to a free food bank for help. There are several in the county, and they can be run by local charities or national networks such as the Trussell Trust. Government agencies also offer support to the needy. The locations are open limited hours and will only provide free food to people in an emergency, if they have a voucher.

Another option for families in to turn to the council, as the government can provide assistance from their welfare schemes known as HWAS. Support is also for residents on a low income that are out of options, and facing an exceptional hardship. The county can provide a voucher to a foodbank, or award a family on benefits with some other form of support.

The main soup kitchens as well as food banks in Hertfordshire are below. Each relies on volunteers and has limited resources, based on donations and other factors. A voucher will be needed in order to get a parcel.

There are a few food banks that are part of the Trussell Trust network, and they are noted below. Each will require an applicant to have a voucher, and this can be provided from a professional care worker. For people that are eligible, the food banks will provide a parcel of up to 3 days, and there can be tinned items, groceries, pasta, coffee, and more.

The sites will also have local distribution points, most of which are churches, in the region. The hours and days are limited, but the main locations are below.

• Dacorum area residents can receive help in an emergency from the food bank at Hub Paradise, Depot Paradise, Hemel, Hempstead Herts. HP2 4TF, dial 01442 250969.
• Hertford United Reformed Church, Cowbridge, Hertford, SG14 1PG, phone 07851 708470.
• Residents of St Albans and District have a foodbank to turn to as well. The location is the Russell Building, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2JQ. Call the Trussell Trust centre at 07787 867703 for hours.
• St James’ Church of Broxbourne is a Trussell Trust network site. The location is St James Road, Goffs Oak, Waltham Cross, and phone is 07943 986261.
• St Teresa’s Church, 291 Shenley Rd, Borehamwood, Herts, WD6 1TG, telephone 02035831109.
• The Oakmere Community Centre is the food bank for the Potters Bar district. The address is Fetherstone Close, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 5NS, and families can call 01707 876 060.
• The city of Herts in Hertfordshire County is supported by Letchworth foodbank, Mrs Howard Memorial Hall, Norton Way South, Letchworth Garden City, Herts, SG6 1NX, dial 07580184586.
• Welwyn Hatfield is a charity located at Fountain of Life Building, 15 Howardsgate Welwyn, Garden City, Hertfordshire AL8 6BU. The phone number is 01707 377 712.

Independent food banks and meal centres

All Saints Hertford is located on Queens Road. The christian based charity will help the vulnerable with food and other needs, such as signposting or an article of clothing.

DENS Day Centre has a food bank and soup kitchen on site. They are at 1 Queensway in Hemel Hempstead. Volunteers will also help people find accommodations, and they offer support for substance misusers too. Read more help from DENS.

Hertfordshire County Welfare Assistance Scheme is when the council will make government funds available, mostly for families on benefits. The programme will provide a free food voucher and other forms of assistance to the needy, and the council offers other assistance as well to people in poverty. Continue with welfare in Hertfordshire.

New Hope – Haven Support Centre serves meals, including at breakfast and lunch, to the homeless and Hertfordshire residents on a low income. Other assistance from the not-for-profit includes a clothing store, shelters and job search help. They operate from 4 Whippendell Road, Watford, WD18 7LU. Ring the charity at 01923 801382, or find more help from New Hope.

Open Door at St Albans provides assistance to the homeless, including free food parcels. The drop in centre is at 19 Watson’s Walk, St Albans, Hertfordshire, or call 01727 859113. There are other services also provides by the charity, and read up on the St. Albans Open Door Charity programmes.

The Royston Food Bank is for both the district and nearby towns. There may be three days of food provided to people in an emergency that can afford a meal for their families. Social workers will also help the client find a more permanent solution to their hardship.