Food bank & help with essentials
Struggling to access or afford food? A local food bank or food club may be able to help.
Food bank provisions are for people in crisis with no other means of accessing or affording food and supplies.
Food clubs are small community groups that aim to help source food for the people who live in their neighbourhood or local area. They run once a week in local community spaces and offer opportunities to socialise with your neighbours while you pick up your food. You don't usually need a formal referral to visit your local Food Club, but some of them are membership-only so you should check on their website or social media pages before you go to make sure.
There's usually a small weekly fee (between £3 - £5) to go to a Food Club, and you might not always pick up all the food you'll need, but the aim is to save you money in the long run, and they can be a great way to try out new foods without worrying about spending money on things you or your family won't end up liking.
There are also links below if you are struggling for other essentials such as school meals and advice from other charities who can help advise what to do.
Food Banks
Morecambe Bay Foodbank
Food parcel deliveries, Monday to Friday.
To acquire a referral you may speak to a Customer Service Advisor through the Lancaster City Council Community Hub on 01524 582000, or alternatively, contact the North Lancashire Citizens Advice on 01524 400404 for a referral. Will accept referrals from other organisations or professionals that are assisting your situation
Contact Morecambe Bay Foodbank on 01524 932001 for enquiries.
Website: https://morecambebay.foodbank.org.uk/
The Olive Branch
Referrals to access service can be acquired from Citizens Advice, The Marsh Community Centre, Global Link, Lancaster District Homeless Action, Inspire, the Probation Service, and Social Services. Will accept referrals from other organisations or professionals that are assisting your situation.
Food parcels available Monday – Friday.
The Olive Branch also provides free, impartial support and advice to everyone, about anything. Their Westbourne Road shop is open on Tuesdays between 11AM and 1PM for anyone to drop in, whether for support and advice, or just a cup of tea and a chat – 1 Westbourne Road, Lancaster, LA1 5DB Please see their website for more information about the services they provide.
Website: https://the-olivebranch.org.uk/
Phone: 01524 555715
Email: info@the-olivebranch.org.uk
West End Impact
Where: 4-10 Heysham Road, Morecambe, LA3 1DG.
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10AM – 1PM. Sunday 1PM - 2:30PM Packed Lunches.
How: Drop-in sessions that also offer advice & guidance, phone, internet & computer access, and hot meals. No Membership required.
Website: https://www.westendimpact.org.uk/
Phone: 01524 888929
Email: info@westendimpact.org.uk
Additional Services: West End Impact runs a range of weekly activities, including Wellbeing Wednesdays and Drumming Therapy. They provide a takeaway packed lunch on Sundays between 1PM & 2PM – all are welcome.
Other support & recovery groups also use the Impact space for meetings. If you would like more information, please visit their website.
Lancaster Food Clubs
Eggcup
Where: 13-15 Chapel Street, Lancaster, LA1 1NZ (next to the bus station).
When: Open for collections Monday - Thursday.
Eggcup is not open to new members until further notice.
How: Membership is required, so please call or get in touch online first. You'll also need to book into a time slot to collect each week.
Website: https://www.eggcup.org/membership/
Phone: 01524 928027
Email: admin@eggcup.org
Additional Services: Eggcup also offers some food, toiletries, and household items for small additional fees through their Buying Co-Op.
Skerton Food Club
Where: Skerton Community Centre, 63 Slyne Road, Skerton, LA1 2JH
When: Tuesdays from 2:00PM to 3:00PM
How: Please call or get in touch via the Facebook Page to request to join before your first collection.
Website: Facebook page - here.
Phone: 01524 380818
Email: skertoncc@aol.com
Additional Services: Skerton Community Centre also offer a range of weekly activities for residents of all ages. If you would like more information, please visit their Facebook page - here.
Marsh Food Club
Where: Marsh Community Centre, Willow Lane, Lancaster, LA1 5PP
When: Thursdays from 12:00PM to 1:30PM
How: Please get in touch via phone, Facebook or by dropping in. Your details will be taken on your first visit. A food basket needs to be ordered the week before for the centre to be able to guarantee one for you.
Website: Marsh Community Centre
Facebook: Visit the Marsh Food Club’s Facebook page - here
Phone: 01524 843300
Email: manager@marshcommunitycentre.co.uk
Additional Services: Marsh Community Centre runs a range of weekly activities for residents of all ages. They also run Open Access Monday- Thursday (10am - 3pm) which are regular drop-in sessions for help and advice, with coffee and snacks available. If you would like more information, please visit their website - here.
Melbourne Food Club (Food For All)
Where: The Limes 59 Slyne Rd, Lancaster LA1 2JH
When: Thursdays at 3:00PM till 4.30PM
How: Please get in touch via the Facebook Page to ask the organisers about Membership, or text Julie on the number below.
Website: Visit the Food For All Food Club’s Facebook page – here
Phone: 07776 224800
Email: julieannseaton007@gmail.com
Food For Thought Lancaster
Where: Father's House: Owen Road, Lancaster, LA1 2AP
When: Thursdays from 12:00PM to 1:00PM, Sundays from 3:30PM to 4:00PM
How: No Membership required, feel free to just drop in!
Thursday bag of food charge is £4
Sunday bag of food is £2.40
Website: Join the Food For Thought Food Club’s Facebook group – here
Email: food4thoughtlancs@outlook.com
Food For Thought @ Cornerstone
Where: : The Cornerstone, Sulyard Street, Lancaster LA1 1PX
When: Thursdays from 6:15PM to 7:00PM
How: To find out information about joining the club, please join the facebook group and someone will contact you.
Website: Join the Food For Thought @ Cornerstone's Facebook group – here
Hala Food Club
Where: St Paul's Hala Worship & Community Centre, Lancaster, LA1 4RW
When: Fridays, 5:00PM – 6:00PM
How: Please get in touch with the organisers before you make your first visit.
Website: Find Hala Food Club on Facebook - here
Phone: 07840404814 / 07947134166
Email: halapantry@stpauls-scotforth.org
Ridge Food Club
Where: 8 Ridge Square, Lancaster, LA1 3HR
When: Mondays, from 5:45PM. Members are welcome to come in for a sit down and a chat. Hot drinks and snacks are usually provided.
How: All welcome, please pop in if you’re interested.
Phone: 07958434549
Carnforth Food Clubs
Carnforth Food Club
Where: Carnforth Hub, Kellet Road, LA5 9LS
When: Every Friday 2-4pm, £5.00 weekly membership to help with your shopping bill and stop good food going to waste.
How: Sign up to be a member or ask for more information through the below contact methods.
Phone: 01524 928027
Email: members@eggcup.org
Morecambe and Heysham Food Clubs
Eggcup (People-Food-Community)
Where: 21 Albert Road, Morecambe, LA4 4HD.
When: Open for collections Monday - Thursday.
Eggcup is not open to new members until further notice.
How: Membership is required, so please call or get in touch online first. You'll also need to book into a time slot to collect each week.
Website: https://www.eggcup.org/membership/
Phone: 01524 928027
Email: admin@eggcup.org
Additional Services: Eggcup also offers some food, toiletries and household items for small additional fees through their Buying Co-Op.
Stanleys Food Club
Where: Stanley Road Community Centre: 79 Stanley Road, Morecambe, LA3 1UT
When: Tuesdays, 2:00PM – 5:00PM.
How: Membership is required, so please call or get in touch online first. You'll also need to book into a time slot to collect each week.
Website: https://stanleyscommunitycentre.co.uk/
Phone: 01524 410076 / 07775 874413
Email: stanleyscommunitycentre@gmail.com
Additional Services: Stanley Road Community Centre runs a range of weekly sessions for residents of all ages. They also host regular drop-in sessions for support and advice with anything & everything. If you would like more information, please visit their website. The timetable for Stanleys weekly events is attached here. (PNG, 282KB)
Morecambe Pantry (Morecambe Parish Church)
Where: 13 Queen Street, Morecambe, LA4 5EQ
When:
- Mondays: 9:00AM – 11:00AM & 2:30PM – 6:00PM
- Tuesdays: 2:00PM – 6:00PM
- Fridays: 2:00PM – 7:00PM.
How: Membership is required. You need to book for an appointment first so please call into the pantry during club opening sessions to get booked into a time slot to collect each week
Website: www.morecambeparish.church
Phone: 01524 422211
Email: pantry@morecambeparish.church
Additional Services: Morecambe Parish Church runs a busy weekly calendar of Christian services, and social events. If you would like more information, please visit their website.
The Well Communities: 1st Floor, West End Community Centre, Westminster Road, Morecambe, LA4 4JE
Where: 1st Floor, West End Community Centre, Westminster Road, Morecambe, LA4 4JE
When: Food club, Friday 1:00pm-2:00pm.
How: New members are welcome to just drop in - Membership will be organised at your first visit.
Website: www.thewellcommunities.co.uk/
Phone: 01524 415278
Email: info@thewell2.co.uk
Additional Services: Offer a discounted food shop which is open 6 days a week. The Well Fed Social Supermarket, based at 17 Yorkshire Street, West End, Morecambe, Monday-Saturday 10:30am-3:30pm.
Offer additional support services Monday-Friday 9am-5pm to assist with mental health, well-being, addiction, trauma, recovery housing, and family services.
The Lions Club
Where: St James’ Church Hall, Heysham, Morecambe, LA3 2BQ
When: Thursdays, 4:30PM – 5:30PM
How: Membership is required, so please call or get in touch first.
Phone: 01524 749706 / 07752759288
Email: janeenhuff.lions105@gmail.com / huff.ivan@sky.com
Additional Services: The Lions Club can provide counselling assistance with situations such as addiction or bereavement. They can also signpost you to Social Services or the Citizens Advice Bureau if you need further support.
Community Meals
Offering free / low-cost hot meals, or just a cup of tea and a chat to anyone who needs it.
Tuesday
Morecambe Homeless Action - Breakfast Club
Where: St John's Church Hall, St Johns Road, LA3 1EX
When: Tuesday from 10:00am - 12:00pm
Information: Morecambe Homeless Action provide relief for those facing homelessness. They offer hot food and drink, warmth, shelter, housing information, advice or just a friendly face and a chat. They may also be able to help with clothes, bedding and other donated essentials.
Phone: 07510865203
West End Impact - Food Parcels
Where: West End Impact, 4-10 Heysham Road, Heysham, LA3 1DG
When: Tuesday from 10:00am - 1:00pm
Information: West End Impact is a registered charity managed by Christians from Morecambe Community Church & other local Churches, helping people in need, giving advice and guidance and support through their various projects and services.
Phone: 01524 888929
Wednesday
Stanley Road Baptist Church - Community Café
Where: Stanley Road Baptist Church, Stanley Road, Morecambe, LA3 1UP
When: Wednesday from 10:00am - 12:30pm
Information: Stanley Road Baptist Church is a local church seeking to support and engage with its local community through various means including the community café which is there for food, a friendly face and a chat.
Phone: 01524 410015
St Marys Church - Hot Lunch
Where: St Marys Presbytery, Newman Centre, Matthias Street, Morecambe, LA4 5JR
When: Wednesday from 10:00am - 12:30pm
Phone: 01524 410501
Grace Ministries
Where: 37 Yorkshire Street West, Morecambe, LA3 1QF
When: Wednesday – Friday, 10:00am – 2:00pm
How: Grace Ministries offers a safe place for people to drop in for a free hot drink and biscuit, to have a chat and meet with others from the local community. They are also able to offer practical help with food parcel referrals and clothing, and if they are not able to help, they can signpost to other local charities or organisations.
Website: https://www.graceministriesmorecambe.org/
Phone: 07477 272726
Email: GMgraceministriesLA3@gmail.com
Thursday
West End Impact - Hot Meals and Food Parcels
Where: West End Impact, 4-10 Heysham Road, Heysham, LA3 1DG
When: Tuesday from 10:00am - 1:00pm
Information: West End Impact is a registered charity managed by Christians from Morecambe Community Church & other local Churches, helping people in need, giving advice and guidance and support through their various projects and services.
Phone: 01524 888929
Marsh Community Centre - Soup & Roll
Where: Marsh Community Centre, Willow Lane, Lancaster, LA1 5PP
When: Tuesday from 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Phone: 01524 843300
Father’s House Church Community Café
Where: Father's House Church, Owen Road, Lancaster, LA1 2AP
When: Community Café: Thursday from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, (During school term weeks only)
How: Feel free to just drop in.
Email: fathershouselancaster@gmail.com
Friday
St Thomas’ Church - Hot Meal
Where: St Thomas’ Church Centre, Marton Road, Lancaster, LA1 1XX
When: Fridays from 6:00pm - 7:00pm
How: Feel free to just drop in.
Website: The Ark – St Thomas’ Church
Phone: 01524 590410
Email: admin@st.tees.org.uk
St Barnabas Parish Centre - Hot Meal
Where: St Barnabas Parish Centre, Westminster Road, Morecambe, LA4 4JE
When: Fridays from 2:30pm - 4:30pm
How: Feel free to just drop in.
Website: The Ark – St Thomas’ Church
Phone: 01524 590410
Email: admin@st.tees.org.uk
Saturday
Father’s House Church Homeless Café
Where: Father's House Church, Owen Road, Lancaster, LA1 2AP
When: Homeless Café: Saturday from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, (Most Weeks : Check here for confirmation)
How: Feel free to just drop in.
Email: fathershouselancaster@gmail.com
Sunday
West End Impact - Takeaway Sandwiches
Where: West End Impact, 4-10 Heysham Road, Heysham, LA3 1DG
When: Tuesday from 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Information: West End Impact is a registered charity managed by Christians from Morecambe Community Church & other local Churches, helping people in need, giving advice and guidance and support through their various projects and services.
Phone: 01524 888929
Healthy Start Vouchers
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, the Healthy Start scheme can help you:
- buy healthy foods like milk or fruit
- get free vitamins
You need to be claiming certain benefits to qualify.
If you’re pregnant and under 18 you can claim even if you do not receive any benefits.
More information on Healthy Start Vouchers can be found via the Government website - Here.
Help With Essentials
Help with school clothing costs - Lancashire County Council
Assistance with school uniform is often available from schools themselves, but also from various local charities. If you do not meet any of the criteria listed below, we would suggest that you contact your child's school in the first instance.
Eligibility criteria
- Where a pupil is the victim of severe family dislocation, especially where there is a need for the pupil to be moved and have to change school.
- Where a pupil’s household has been affected by fire or flood and their school clothing is damaged or lost.
- Where a pupil is the subject of an education, health and care plan and where the terms require a change of school during the academic year.
- Where a pupil’s medical condition warrants additional support.
- Other exceptional circumstances.
Email: pupilaccessteam.north@lancashire.gov.uk
Morecambe Bay Foodbanks Uniform Project
If you need help with school uniform or would like to donate uniform please use the below link to access the referral form.
Uniform Project Self Referal Form
Phone - 01524 932001
Email - theuniformproject@morecambebay.foodbank.org.uk
Free school meals - Lancashire County Council
If your child is currently eligible for free school meals, that eligibility will be protected until Universal Credit is introduced (expected March 2022) even if your circumstances change. If your child is still in education on this date, they will be eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they are in.
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following;
- Universal Credit with a household income of less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
- Income-Based Jobseekers' Allowance
- Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit, not entitled to Working Tax Credit and household income less than £16,190
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit 'run on' – the payment you receive for a further four weeks after you finish work
Email: welfarebenefits.north@lancashire.gov.uk
Gingerbread - Advice & Helpline
The leading national charity working with single parent families. We provide expert advice, practical support and campaign for single mums and dads.
Gingerbread provide information to help single parents support themselves and their family. And campaign and influence policy to reduce stigma against single parents, and make services more accessible to all families – whatever their shape or size.
Gingerbread helpline: 0808 802 0925
Free Data
British telecommunications companies have donated free data to help low-income households stay connected during the Cost of Living Crisis. The data is distributed by the National Databank.
The National Databank operates through a network of local online centres like LMC the Cornerstone and Lancaster Methodist Church, where staff and volunteers are available to answer any questions you may have. Once accepted, a person can have access to data for up to 6 months.
To qualify for free data, you must be over-18 and from a low-income household:
- And/or have no access or insufficient access to the internet at home
- And/or have no or insufficient access to the internet when away from the home
- And/or cannot afford an existing monthly contract or top up
The Lancaster Methodist Church Databank is linked to its Public Living Room that currently operates Wednesday mornings 11am – 1pm (with plans to extend these times during the winter months) and the Cornerstone Databank is linked to the drop-in cafe each Tuesday. For further details and information please contact Phil McGrath 01524 840027 #5 or philcornerstonecafe@gmail.com.
Holiday Activity Fund / Happy Healthy Holidays
Children and young people receiving free school meals are being invited to sign up now to enjoy free activities during the Summer break with our Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF).
Funded by the Department for Education, 'Happy Healthy Holidays' provides a great opportunity for local children and young people who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals to get out and about, get active and meet new friends. The sessions include a variety of fun activities alongside a nutritious meal each day.
Our Summer programme of activities is being delivered by a whole host of providers (listed below) and takes place between Monday 24th July and Friday 1st September.
To see information about our free youth community days please click here.
To book on with any of the providers please click here.
Anyone with any queries on the programme can email HAF@lancaster.gov.uk and someone will be in touch.
These organisations are independent of the council. Reference to these different organisations is provided for information purposes only. We cannot give any guarantees as to their work and we cannot be held responsible for the quality of their advice and any support you may receive from them. The details included on this page were correct at the time of input, please visit the websites or use the contact details provided if you have any uncertainty around changes to times and days.