Food Support and Food Banks in Manchester
If you need support accessing food, there are several organisations and services that can help. Whether you require emergency food parcels, affordable groceries, or community meals, help is available across Manchester.
You must be referred by your Housing Association, Citizens Advice, a social worker, a heath practitioner, or a social prescriber to be able to receive food parcels. You can find out how to get a referral here.
You can find local food banks and food donation sites in and around my constituency here.
Manchester City Council – Food Banks and Community Grocers
Manchester City Council provides up-to-date information on food banks and community grocers across the city. These services can help you access free or low-cost food if you’re struggling to afford groceries.
You can find a list of local food support services here:
Manchester City Council – Food Banks and Community Grocers
This page also includes guidance on how to get a referral voucher for a food bank, if required.
Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN)
The Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) is the UK’s largest network of independent food aid providers. They connect people with local community food projects, food banks, and food pantries that are not part of larger national networks.
Visit their website to find out more about local independent food aid providers and how to get help:
Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) – Find Support
The Trussell Trust
The Trussell Trust is a national anti-poverty charity supporting a network of food banks across the UK. Their aim is to ensure that no one has to go hungry and that everyone has access to the essentials they need.
If you are in crisis and need emergency food, you can use their online search tool to find your nearest Trussell Trust food bank:
Find a Local Food Bank – The Trussell Trust
The Trussell Trust also provides information about how to get a food bank referral and where to access additional financial or welfare advice.
Getting Help
If you are struggling to buy food or are worried about your next meal, please reach out for support.
You can:
- Visit the Gherkin (312 Slade Lane, M19 2BY), a wheel-chair friendly bistro offering free and/or discounted food and other items. They host a ‘Pay what you Feel Meal’ every Monday 3pm-9pm, ‘Free Food for Refugees and Asylum Seekers’ every Monday 3pm-9pm, and their ‘Kindness Cabinet’ is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 07368808870 for more information.
-
Contact your local food bank or community grocer
-
Speak with Manchester City Council or Citizens Advice for a referral
-
Visit a community centre or local charity that offers free meals or food parcel
You can also see if you are entitled to free school meals for your children here.
No one should have to go hungry – help is available across Manchester.