If you need support feeding yourself or your family, there are a number of organisations that can help.
Accessing food
The Plymouth Food Aid Network has a useful Community Food Access map with all the different charities, community groups and organisations who are able to provide food support to people in Plymouth. This includes food banks, food larders and community fridges where food is either free or low cost.
Food Plymouth has a useful guide if you need information about how to access food.
Plymouth Foodbank can provide three days’ worth of nutritionally balanced food to local people in a crisis. It’s part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. You will need a referral to get a food bank voucher.
The Olio app is a handy food sharing app, where people giveaway food items they will not eat to help reduce food waste. Another useful app is Too Good To Go, which enables you to buy a discounted bag of unsold food from local shops and eateries.
Food clubs
A number of new co-operative ‘food clubs’ have been set up in Plymouth to help reduce food waste and combat the rising cost of living. The clubs help residents to buy cheaper food in partnership with FareShare, which distributes food from across the food industry.
Manadon Food Co-op Club
Based at Manadon Sports Hub on Fridays from 9.30am to 12pm. It’s £3.50 for 12 items of food and is open to all. Turn up on the day to sign up, or contact the Hub for more information.
Southway Food Co-op Club
Based at Southway Youth and Community Centre on Tuesdays, 9.30am to 11am. It’s £3.50 for 12 items of food and there is currently a waitlist to join the club. Contact the Centre to be added to the waitlist.
Mayflower and St James the Less Fruit and Veg Co-op
Based at St James the Less Church in Ham Drive, it’s £3 for a box of fruit and veg. There’s a waitlist to join, contact the church for more information.
Free food and milk for children
If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.
If you're eligible, you'll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. We'll add your benefit onto this card every for weeks. Find out more on the NHS website.
Cooking on a budget
Food is Fun CIC can help with food budgeting, low cost recipes and ways to help save money on your food bills. You can also join their Food Buddies South West Facebook group, where people come together to share recipes and tips.
Transforming Plymouth Together has also shared useful budget recipes and cooking tips.
Support for the homeless
Plymouth Soup Run delivers food and hot drinks to the homeless and vulnerable at the following stops 7 days a week, 365 days of the year (timings are approximate):
- Mayflower Street PL1 1QJ (8.45pm to 9.15pm)
- The Hoe PL1 2PA (9.20pm to 9.30pm)
- Martin Street PL1 3LU (9.35pm to 9.45pm)
- King's Road PL1 5JD (9.50pm to 10pm)
The Soup Run also provides a takeaway soup kitchen service on Sunday evenings from 7.15pm at Shekinah, Bath Street, PL1 3LT.