Community Food Support
Community food support schemes help people access affordable food, reduce food waste and provide additional support to households experiencing financial difficulties.
While food banks provide emergency assistance during times of crisis, community food support schemes are often designed to offer longer-term help by providing low-cost food and essential items on a regular basis.
If you're struggling with the cost of food and household essentials, community food support may be available in your area.
What Is Community Food Support?
Community food support includes a range of local schemes that help people access affordable food and essential household items.
These schemes may include:
- Community pantries.
- Social supermarkets.
- Community fridges.
- Food redistribution projects.
- Low-cost food clubs.
- Community cafés.
- Local food support programmes.
The aim is to help households stretch their budgets while maintaining access to nutritious food.
How Is Community Food Support Different From A Food Bank?
Food banks are generally intended to provide emergency food support during a crisis.
Community food support schemes are often designed to provide ongoing access to affordable food and household essentials.
Many schemes allow people to:
- Access food regularly.
- Purchase food at reduced prices.
- Reduce their weekly shopping costs.
- Receive support without needing emergency intervention.
Both services play an important role and may be used at different times depending on individual circumstances.
FareShare Gloucester Community Food Support
Our community food support service works in partnership with FareShare, a national charity that redistributes surplus food to local organisations and community groups.
Through this partnership, we help provide affordable food and essential items to people in our community who may be experiencing financial pressures.
The service operates from our main building on:
- Mondays (Morning)
- Fridays (Morning)
Food availability may vary depending on deliveries and stock levels.
This service helps reduce food waste while providing practical support to local households.
Who Can Access Community Food Support?
Community food support may be available to:
- People on low incomes.
- Households receiving benefits.
- Working households experiencing financial hardship.
- Pensioners.
- Families with children.
- Individuals affected by rising living costs.
- People recovering from a financial crisis.
Eligibility may vary depending on the scheme and local arrangements.
What Food Is Available?
Available items will vary depending on donations and deliveries.
Items may include:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Bread and bakery products.
- Chilled foods.
- Tinned goods.
- Pasta and rice.
- Cereals.
- Household essentials.
- Snacks and drinks.
The range of products can change from week to week.
Why Are Community Food Schemes Important?
Community food support schemes help:
- Reduce food waste.
- Improve access to affordable food.
- Support households with rising living costs.
- Build stronger communities.
- Provide practical support before financial difficulties become a crisis.
Many people use community food schemes as part of their regular budgeting and money management.
Do I Need A Referral?
Some community food schemes are open to everyone, while others may require:
- Registration.
- Membership.
- A referral from an advice organisation.
If you're unsure about local arrangements, contact the organisation directly for details.
Can Community Food Support Help Me Save Money?
Yes.
Many households use community food support to reduce weekly grocery costs.
Savings made on food shopping can help free up money for:
- Rent or mortgage payments.
- Energy bills.
- Council Tax.
- Essential travel.
- Other household expenses.
Even small reductions in food spending can make a significant difference over time.
Other Support That May Be Available
If you're experiencing financial difficulties, you may also be able to access:
- Food bank support.
- Household Support Fund.
- Local Welfare Support Schemes.
- Energy bill assistance.
- Council Tax Reduction.
- Benefits you may not currently be claiming.
- Emergency grants.
A benefits check can help identify additional support.
Tips For Accessing Community Food Support
✅ Ask about local community food schemes in your area
✅ Attend regularly if the service allows ongoing access
✅ Check whether additional support services are available
✅ Seek advice if you're struggling with food costs
✅ Review your budget to identify other areas where support may help
✅ Check you're receiving all benefits you're entitled to
✅ Attend regularly if the service allows ongoing access
✅ Check whether additional support services are available
✅ Seek advice if you're struggling with food costs
✅ Review your budget to identify other areas where support may help
✅ Check you're receiving all benefits you're entitled to
Common Myths About Community Food Support
"It's Only For People In An Emergency"
Many community food schemes provide ongoing support to help households manage everyday living costs.
"I Have To Be Receiving Benefits"
Some schemes support people on low incomes, including those who are working.
"The Food Isn't Good Quality"
Many schemes provide fresh, nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste.
"It's Taking Help Away From Someone Else"
Community food support exists to help local people access affordable food and reduce waste.
Need Help?
Our advisors can help you:
- Access community food support services.
- Find local food assistance programmes.
- Check your entitlement to benefits.
- Create a realistic household budget.
- Explore grants and emergency financial support.
Contact our team for free, confidential advice and support.