Food and essentials

Food vouchers

Council tax support and housing benefit recipients are eligible for one-off food vouchers from district and borough councils. There is no need to apply for this as the vouchers will be sent directly by your local council.

Some households open to Adults and Children’s Services have been provided with food vouchers directly by Hampshire County Council.

Unpaid carers can also apply for supermarket vouchers to help with cost-of-living pressures. These are administered by local organisations on behalf of Hampshire County Council.

Community pantries

Community pantries provide groceries to members once a week at a lower rate than shops and supermarkets. Membership is not means-tested, and for a small contribution each visit, members can select fresh and frozen foods and cupboard essentials with a higher value than the same items would cost elsewhere.

Find your local community pantry.

Food banks

If you can't afford to buy enough food, you may be able to get some short-term help from your local food bank. You will need a voucher to use a food bank. To find out where you can get a voucher, contact your local food bank or phone the Citizens Advice national phone service on 03444 111 444.

Find details of local food banks on Connect to Support Hampshire.

Holiday clubs

Holiday Activities and Food schemes provide free of charge activities and food for eligible children during the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays.

School meals

School meals offer children the chance to eat a hot, freshly cooked meal during term time.

In England, children at a state school in reception, year 1 or year 2, are entitled to free school meals regardless of household income. Some older children are also eligible for a free school meal – you can check your eligibility online.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels supply hot food directly to the homes of elderly people, those with disabilities, and anyone unable to prepare food for themselves.

To find out if you or a loved one are eligible to use this service, visit the Meals on Wheels website.

Other support with food

Community projects across Hampshire offer a wide range of support with food, including vouchers, cook and eat sessions and food parcels. Contact these organisations directly for details.