If you are struggling to feed yourself or your family, there are organisations that can help. They are used by hundreds of people every week in Cumbria and from all walks of life.

There are food banks and other food projects located across the county, find your nearest at Ways to Welfare or call the council's support line on 0300 373 3300.

If you are on a low income, your children may be entitled to free school meals and clothing grants. You can check your eligibility and apply online or call 0300 373 3300.

Cumbria's Holiday Activity and Food Programme offers hundreds of activities (including a meal) for young people aged 5 to 16 during the school holidays. Activities are free for families whose children receive benefits-related free school meals, with additional free places also available for young people in particular circumstances.  

Visit the holiday activity website to find activities on offer during the holidays.

Eligible families in Cumbria can apply for free vitamins and help with the cost of food and milk as part of the Healthy Start scheme. 

The Healthy Start scheme has two elements to it: 

The first element is a prepaid card worth up to £8.50 per week to spend on fresh produce such as cow's milk, fresh, frozen, or tinned fruit and vegetables, infant formula milk and fresh, dried, and tinned pulses. 

The second element offers free vitamins to eligible pregnant women and mothers for up to six months after birth (if breastfeeding or dual feeding) as well as vitamins for children up until the age of four. The vitamins will initially be distributed by Midwives and Health Visitors during their early visits and then families will be able to collect them from one of many different Community Venues (PDF 484KB) in Cumbria using their Healthy Start pre-paid card. 

To apply for the healthy start prepaid card, visit the NHS website. You can find out more about the Healthy Start scheme on the Healthy Start website.

Allerdale Library Feed and Read - Receive a recipe bag with ingredients and instructions for a family of 4 or a snack bag. Self-referral service. Call 01900706170 for more information. 

Rainbow food pantry, King Street, Aspatria, CA7 3ES. Purchase fruit, vegetables, and other ambient goods for a small donation.  Self-referral service open Fridays, 10am to 4pm and 5pm to 7pm

Cockermouth foodbank, Lorton Street Methodist Church, Lorton Street, Cockermouth, CA13 9RH. Referral only. Foodbank open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10am to 12pm. Call 07502311452 for more information or email info@thefoodbank.org.uk.

Maryport foodbank, St Marys Church, Netherhall Corner, Maryport, CA15 6LL. Referral only. Foodbank open Tuesday and Thursday, 12pm to 2pm or Fridays, 4pm to 6pm. Call 07503311452 or email info@thefoodbank.org.uk for more information.

Wigton foodbank, Cornerstone Methodist Church, 50 High Street, Wigton, CA7 9PG. Referral only. Foodbank open Tuesday and Friday 10am to 12pm. Call 07504311452 or email info@thefoodbank.org.uk for more information.

Workington foodbank, The Bridge Centre, Central Square, Workington, CA14 3BG. Referral only. Foodbank open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am to 12pm. Call 07504311452 or email info@thefoodbank.org.uk for more information.

Harriston Community Food Pantry, Harriston Aspatria CA7 2ED. Self-referral service. Food pantry every Tuesday 12 to 2pm and weekly food club each Thursday. Call 07795907985 for more information or email harristonvillagehall@gmail.com

Highfield Community Centre, Highfield Road Cockermouth CA13 9JF. Self-referral service. Community food pantry open on the second and fourth Friday of every month.

Wigton Food Pantry, St Cuthberts Church Hall Wigton CA7 9HU. Self-referral service. Open every Wednesday 11am to 1pm. Call 016973 42379 for more information or email wigtonfoodpantry@gmail.com

Escapes Food Pantry, Moorclose Community Centre Needham Drive Workington. Self-referral service. Open every Tuesday 10am. Call 07713 864850 for more information or email moorclosecommunitycentre@gmail.com

Kings Church Meal Share, 4 Market Street Cockermouth. Self-referral service. Open every Thursday: 1.30pm for food and prepared meals and every Sunday: lunch 12.30 £2 per person, places must be booked. Call 01900 821100 for more information or email admin@kingscc.org

Workington Derwent Rotary Community Food Pantry, Workington Legion. Self-referral service. Open every first Friday of each month 11am. Call 07505 243677 for more information or email anthonymcguckin@talktalk.net

Northside Community Centre, Trinity Drive Northside. Self-referral service. Community shop and food pantry. Call 01900 68739 for more information.

Grow West, Allerby community gardens. Self-referral service. Vegetables boxes, gardening services, training and experience. Call 01900 815003 for more information.

Incredible Edibles, Rotary Club of Cockermouth, Rotary Club of Cockermouth. Self-referral service. Community organisation coming together to plant trees, veg, salad and herbs which are all available to local residents. Email secretary@cockermouth.rotary1190.org for more information.

Helen's Herbs, St Mary's church hall, Mossbay. Workington. Self-referral service to those living in West Cumbria. Free cookery sessions in January and February 2023 aimed at cooking seasonal food from scratch with a budget in mind and are free of charge for anybody in West Cumbria. Booking essential. 

Family Action, Greengate Family Hub. Referral only. Holiday Kitchen and Seasonal Cook along sessions. All sessions provide opportunities to talk about cooking on a budget, and signposting to other services who may be able to help. Both children and adults can take part in fun (educational) activities. Call 01229 821855 for more information or email Barrow@family-action.org.uk

Family Action, Farm Street, LA14 2RX. Self-referral service. Well Fed group. Open Monday afternoon 1pm to 2.30pm at Bram Longstaffe Hub. Call 01229 821825 for more information or email Barrow@family-action.org.uk

Family Action, Greengate Street, LA14 1BG. Self-referral service. Well Fed group. Open Monday afternoon 1pm to 2.30pm at Greengate Family Hub. Bag of fresh produce and food products for £3. Call 01229 821855 for more information or email Barrow@family-action.org.uk

Friends of Bram, Bram Longstaffe Nursery and Coommunity Hub, Farm Street, Barrow in Furness, LA14 2RX. Self-referral service. Well Fed programme every Monday excluding Bank Holidays. 1pm to 2.30pm. Access to food provision paying £3 per bag for individuals and families, who will receive fresh produce and food products. A food parcel is provided to families or individuals who contact the organisation in relation to food poverty over the weekend. Through its holiday provision throughout the year the organisation provides hot meals for the most vulnerable and isolated children. Call 01229 814900/07949434076 for more information or email davemorrison1966@hotmal.com

Foodbanks

No cost emergency food provision for targeted households through referral agencies or direct referrals should be via the person's Welfare Support Agencies:

Carlisle Foodbank, Unit 4, Tower Court, W Tower St, Carlisle CA3 8QT. Referral only. Open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call 07512 552449 for more information or email hello@carlislefoodbank.org.uk

Brampton Community Food, Methodist Church, Main Street, Brampton CA8 1RS. Self-referral service to those living in the area. Pop up pantry open every Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm - small nominal charge. Call 07394 56877 for more information.

Cornerstone Food Bank, Denton Street, Denton Holme, Carlisle. Referral only. The food bank is available during its regular opening hours. Food parcels are seen as emergency support - one food parcel a fortnight and a maximum of 3 in a rolling 12-month period. Call 01228 549796 for more information.

St Barnarbas and St Lukes Churches, Brookside, Carlisle, CA2 7JT. Referral only. Thursdays 10am to 11am. Call 01228 538983 for more information.

Affordable Food Outlets (Pantries, Larders, Community Fridges)

A small fee gives entitlement to one week's worth of food which can be selected by attending one of the Outlets:

Oasis Pantry, Elim Community Church, St Pauls Church, St Pauls Square, Carlisle, CA1 1BG. Self-referral service. Food pantry open on Friday Mornings - small nominal charge. Call 07838349561 for more information.

Botcheby Community Centre Pop up pantry, Botcherby Community Centre, Victoria Road, Carlisle, CA1 2UE. Self-referral service to those living in the area. Pop up pantry open every Wednesday from 12pm to 4pm - small nominal charge. Call 01228 596992 for more information or email botcherbycc@carlisle.gov.uk

Harraby Campus Pop up pantry, Harraby Community Centre, Edgehill Road, Carlisle, CA1 3SN. Self-referral service to those living in the area. Pop up pantry open every Monday from 1pm to 4pm - small nominal charge. Call 01228 537831 for more information or email liz@harrabycommunitycentre.co.uk

Brampton Community Food, Methodist Church,Main Street, Brampton CA8 1RS. Self-referral service. Access by mobile 9.30am to 12.30pm on weekdays. Call 07394 56877 for more information.

Petteril Bank Community Centre, Burnett Road, Carlisle, CA1 3BX. Self-referral service to those living in the area. Fareshare open every Wednesday from 1.30pm to 2.30pm - donation contribution. Call 01228 530190 for more information or email admin.petterilbankcc@carlisle.gov.uk

The Lookout, Shadygrove Road, Carlisle. Self-referral service to those living in the area. Fareshare open every Thursday morning. Call 07413258279 for more information or email hayley_thelookout@outlook.com


Community Help Affordable Food Hub (AFH) and Community Help Partners

For a set low cost, a weeks worth of food can be ordered online or by phoning the AFH, placing an order and arranging collection/pick up at a selected community organisation:

Carlisle Community Help, Unit 100, Brunthill Road, Kingstown Industrial Estate, Carlisle, CA3 0EH. Self-referral service to those living in the area. A set low cost, a weeks' worth of food can be ordered online or by phoning the Affordable Hub, placing an order and arranging collection/pickup at a selected community partner. Call 07394546877 for more information or email info@carlislecommunityhelp.co.uk

Other food provision:

Incredible Edibles, Rotary Club of Brampton and Longtown. Self-referral service. Community organisation coming together to plant trees, veg, salad and herbs which are all available to local residents.

Mealbank 108, Hebron Church 108 Botchergate, Carlisle. Self-referral service. Free 2 course meal for the homeless - Mondays 6pm. Some deliveries to families and hostels. Food support to a few families and food hampers to hostels at Festivals. Small stock of clothes and sleeping bags. Shower and laundry facilities on Monday evenings. Call 07944954900 for more information or email mealbank108@hebronec.co.uk

Family Action Copeland 0 - 19, South Whitehaven Children's Centre, Whinlatter Road, Whitehaven CA28 8BN. Self-referral service or via partners. Online Cook-a-long programme, where parents and children can join weekly for 6 weeks to learn how to prepare and cook healthy meals for the full family. All ingredients are supplied to the family and delivered a day or 2 prior to the group. Call 01946 64600 for more information or email copeland@family-action.org.uk

Cumbria County Council Adult Learning. Self-referral service. In partnership with the Copeland Wellness Team run free Healthy Cooking on a Budget courses and £1 Meals. Call 01946 506416 for more information or email copelandadultlearning@cumbria.gov.uk

PEC Phoenix Enterprise Centre - Thrift Hub Food Pantry, Phoenix House, Jacktrees Road, Cleator Moor. Self-referral service. Weekly shopping is delivered to those suffering financial distress. It will contain meat products, fruit, and veg, bread, milk, pasta, rice, tinned products and jars, baby milk and nappies if required. The organisation has a small number of large slow cookers available which are normally offered to large families. Call 01946 813555/07388996202 for more information or email advice@phoenixenterprisecentre.co.uk

Whitehaven Foodbank, New Life Church, 24 Irish Street, Whitehaven, CA287BY. Referral only. Foodbank open Mondays 11.30am to 1.30pm, Tuesdays 11.30am to 1.30pm and Thursdays 11.30am to 1.30pm. Call 7506 311452 for more information or email info@thefoodbank.org.uk

Egremont Foodbank, The Hub, The Meeting Place, Egremont CA22 2DR. Referral only. Foodbank open Tuesdays 1pm to 3pm and Fridays 1pm to 3pm. Call 7507 311452 for more information or email info@thefoodbank.org.uk

Distington Action Against Hunger, Distington Community Centre Church Road Distington. Self-referral service. Food pantry runs every Tuesday and delivers to Pica and Gilgarran. Call 07742387797 for more information.

Millom Network Centre, Unit 3 Devonshire Road Industrial Estate Millom. Self-referral service. Weekly community food pantry/meals on wheels every Wednesday. Call 01229 666025 for more information or email enquiries@m-n-c.co.uk

Millom Foodbank, Crown Street Baptist Church Hall Millom. Referral only. Foodbank open Tuesdays and Fridays 11am to 1pm. Call 01229774601 for more information. 

Thrift Food pantry, Phoenix House, Jacktrees Road, Cleator Moor. Self-referral service. Food pantry, works with FareShare and local business to provide free or low cost food to residents who engage with appropriate support, to make them more financially resilient. Call 01946 813555/07388996202 for more information or email advice@phoenixenterprisecentre.co.uk

Barnardos, Penrith, CA11 4PL. Self-referral service. Cookery sessions online. Mondays 2pm to 4pm. Call 01228 819299 for more information or email julie.fletcher@barnardos.org.uk

Vista Veg, Crosby Ravensworth. Fresh Veg vouchers delivery every Thursday. Referral via foodbanks. Call 017683 73944 for more information or email lynn@vistaveg.co.uk

The Salvation Army, 1 Hunter Lane, Penrith CA11 7UY. Referral only. Food bank. Call 01768 866732 for more information or email penrith@salvationarmy.org.uk

Purely Nutrition - PhunkyFoods, Purely Nutrition Ltd, Ground Floor West, Spracklen House, Dukes Place, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 2QH. Referral via Primary schools. The organisation supports families with delivered, low-cost meals. 

Upper Eden Food Bank, The Sands Methodist Church, Appleby-in-Westmorland CA16 6XR. Referral only. Call 07596 690902 for more information or email upperedenfoodbank@gmail.com

Waste into Wellbeing, Kendal. Self-referral service. Cooking demo's, tasters and recipe cards and bags - once a fortnight alongside foodshare. Email stacy@cinnamonltd.co.uk for more information.

Waste not want not Cartmel, 6 Pitt Garth, Haggs Lane, Cartmel. Self-referral service. Distributer of food supplies - 7 days a week. Call 07976 512487 for more information.

Action for Children, District wide service, various locations. Self-referral service. Online Cookalong course for families. Call 01539 734456 for more information or email south.lakeland@actionforchildren.org.uk

Flookburgh Community Food Hub, Flookburgh village hall. Self-referral service. Every Monday sharing yummy food. Call 015395 59075 for more information.

Cartmel Peninsula holiday food, Cartmel Peninsula, Grange-over-Sands. Access: families with nursery or school children. Holiday food boxes for families in Cartmel Peninsula with children in nursery or education who need a little extra support over the Christmas break. Boxes can be collected or delivered for those without cars. Vouchers for local shops are given for longer holidays. Email wnwncp@btinternet.com for more information.

Ambleside Community Food Club and Cafe, Parish Centre, Vicarage Road Surplus food is collected locally and distributed to Food Club members in the form of a pre-packed bag of food.  Refreshments available when collecting for cuppa and chat, Food items can be donated to the group.  Telephone: 015394 34172 or email: community@amblesidepc.org.uk for more information.

Ambleside Community Lunch Club, Last Thursday of the month 12.30 to 1.30pm, no cost but donations welcome.  Telephone: 015394 34172 or email: community@amblesidepc.org.uk

Windermere and District Food Bank, Methodist Church, Main Road, Windermere.  Monday, Wednesday and Friday 12pm to 3pm, Foodbank provides three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food. Referrals or contact direct Telephone:07789 728811 or email: info@windermeredistrict.foodbank.org.uk 

Staveley with Ings Together Food FareShare and Community Larder, Fareshare is held Monday 11.30am to 1pm, Tuesdays on Bank Holidays in the Staveley Pavilion Village Hall, box of food on its way to waste. Fresh fruit and veg, tins, packets, £1.50 donation. Community Larder is located at the 'Stop and Go' bus shelter on Abbey Road, A range of basic, non-perishable food items and a range of sanitary products. To register or find out more please email: staveleytogether@gmail.com or Telephone: 07396 696726

Sedbergh Community Cupboard, Cornerstone Community Church New Street, Thursday 1.30pm to 4pm Sedbergh Community Cupboard operates as an informal food bank Works with Fareshare, taking surplus food from supermarkets and redirecting it to households in need. Email: zerowastesedbergh@gmail.com Telephone: 07833534710

Sedbergh Community Café, Cornerstone Community Church, New Street, Thursday 2pm to 4.30pm, Alongside the café there is a knit and natter group on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Also, uniform recycling each week in term time. Email: zerowastesedbergh@gmail.com Telephone: 07833534710

Kirkby Lonsdale Food Club and Community Cupboard, Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Club, Working with Fareshare, members receive a bag of in date food that would usually go to landfill.  Can also provide free weekly food to hep you get back on your feet. £4 per week, Telephone: 015242 36404.  Also provide a hot nutritious meal including dessert and drink for the elderly and vulnerable, can be delivered for those who are unable to get to venue (Lunesdale Hall, Kirkby Lonsdale), Monday from 12.30pm suggested donation £5.  Lunches can be booked until the Thursday before through the Community Hub. Contact as above.

Waste into Wellbeing Kendal, Community Food Larder, The Old Coach House, Library Road, Kendal - Tuesday and Thursday 12pm to 1pm, Saturday Food Larder part of café. The community food larder is open 3 days each week and is open to everyone.  Kendal's People Café, South Lakes Foyer, 11.30am to 2pm, Chef made soups, meals, puddings and cakes alongside the Foodshare.  Pay as you can café with suggested donations.  Follow us on Facebook kendalpeoplescafeTwitter @kendalpplscafe

Kendal Food Club,  4.30pm to 5pm Thursdays (3 times per month).  This is a Fareshare club which offers two bags of food aimed at feeding 3 to 4 people for 3 to 4 days, with a £5 donation each week.  To join the club, Annie on 07771 662432 or annie@athinkinghand.co.uk

Manna House, 12pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.  A homeless prevention charity providing food three times a week from Fareshare and other donations.  Fresh fruit, vegetables and other essentials are available to take home. Telephone: 01539 725534 or email: info@manna-house.org.uk 

Kendal Food Share, Tuesday at 5pm (but see Facebook for any changes). A range of fruit, vegetables and other essential items available. Telephone: 07488 376910 or visit Facebook: Sandylands Residents Association

Kirkbarrow Food Share, Two food sheds on the estate plus deliveries for those in need. Sheds open during the day, food can be collected from the sheds or food parcels can be dropped at addresses on Kirkbarrow sheltered housing complexes or to any residents in need.  If in need please email with your name and address: rosetideswell@gmail.com

Burneside Community Fridge, The fridge is open 'take what you need, give what you can' service. A small team fills it weekly via local food groups, collections and financial support.  For more information email: judithnotley@gmail.com

Burneside Parish Residents Association, Food box located at bus stop next to the school, food that would go to waste donated by local supermarkets, free to those in need.

Grange Community Foodstore, Two weekly food clubs where you can collect fresh surplus food plus emergency food support parcels for those in need. Volunteers offer delivery.  Pay as you can but suggested donations displayed.  For more information Telephone: 07985 505415.

Allithwaite Community Food Club, Monday 12pm, Weekly food club where you can collect a weekly food box.  Pay what you can.  For more information email: allithwaitecommunityfoodhub@gmail.com  

Flookburgh Community Food Club, Monday 1pm, Weekly food club, £5 joining fee/ £3 weekly donation.  For more information email: flookburghcfc@gmail.com

Cartmel Holiday Food Boxes, provide food boxes during the summer holidays in the Cartmel Peninsula to families in need of extra support.  For more information

Ulverston Food Waste Project, daily community food share, pay as you feel. For more information Facebook Ulverston Food Project Email: mail@ulverstonfoodproject.org Telephone: 07494 074822

Coniston Community Pantry, open daily behind St Andrews Church.  For more information email: parish@coniston.info

Ulverston Food Bank, Monday/Thursday 11am to 1pm.  A range of partner agencies provide referrals to ensure people in need are supported.  Please telephone: 01229 343410

Barrow Food Bank, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11am to 1pm, Friday 1pm to 3pm.  Telephone: 01229 343436

Milnthorpe Food Bank, Telephone Service, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, provide food parcels for people who are temporary unable to provide for themselves for a limited time.  Telephone: 07582 166564

Windermere and District Food Bank, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12 to 3pm, Foodbank provides three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food.  Referrals or contact direct Telephone:07789 728811 or email: info@windermeredistrict.foodbank.org.uk