Accessing food banks and community food hubs
To access a food bank, you may need food bank vouchers, which you can get by speaking to council officers, social workers, children's centres, GP surgeries, and advice charities.
Food banks in Camden operated by The Trussell Trust:
You can also refer yourself to a mobile food bank that travels to different locations in Camden.
Access food support from schools
At the moment, children registered for free school meals receive additional support, including free breakfast clubs and food vouchers in the holidays.
- If your child is in primary school, they’ll already be receiving free school meals but they must be signed up to the scheme to receive this extra support.
- If your child is in secondary school, check if they’re eligible and sign them up today
Food support for families
Supermarket vouchers
Supermarket vouchers will be posted to families living in Camden with children aged up to 18 who are receiving Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support. Any child attending a Camden school and receiving free school meals will also receive vouchers.
Families with more than one child will receive multiple vouchers. The vouchers can be used in a variety of supermarkets.
NHS Healthy Start Scheme
Get help to buy healthy food and milk through the NHS Healthy Start scheme. This is available if you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4. Find out more by visiting healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply or call 0300 330 7010
Join or start a food co-op
Food co-ops are a way to regularly access low-cost food – you can join one or start one on your own street or estate.
Cooperation Town is a network of food co-ops. Each household pays £3 to £10 a week and gets about five times what they pay for in value – saving up to 40% on weekly food costs.
To find out more, visit the Cooperation Town website or email Cooperation Town and they will put you in touch with a Cooperation Town co-op near you or can help you to start your own.