Help with food costs - new draft

Food costs are increasing alongside other rising costs. This is having an impact on a lot of people and families. If you can't afford to buy or cook food for yourself help is available.

Below are local services, charities and community groups who can help. There are also low-cost options to help make your money go further when buying food.

Food support

You can find help with food and who to contact in your area (such as local foodbanks) using the links below.

Food support in the Coalfields area - Copt Hill, Hetton, Houghton, Shiney Row.

Food support in the East area - Doxford, Hendon, Millfield, Ryhope, St Michael's.

Food support in the North area - Castle, Fulwell, Redhill, Southwick, St Peter's.

Food support in the Washington area - Washington Central, Washington East, Washington North, Washington South, Washington West.

Food support in the West area - Barnes, Pallion, Sandhill, Silksworth, St Anne's, St Chad's.

Community shops

Check if you live near a social supermarket or community shop. These are set up for people on low incomes. They sell surplus food from major supermarkets at discounted prices. While not widespread, they're growing in number - see where to find social supermarkets.

The Company Shop offers free membership for people on certain benefits, with a store based in Washington.

The Bread and Butter Thing offers weekly groceries at a fraction of high street prices. Their mobile food clubs help people to save money on their food shop and prevents food going to landfill.

Prices range from £5 for an individual bag to £17 for a large family. Whichever offer you opt for, you will be saving on your normal weekly food bill. Bags can include fresh fruit and veg, chilled food and cupboard staples such as pasta and cereal. You can also use your Healthy Start vouchers. There are various hubs across Sunderland, find your nearest one and sign up here.

Too Good To Go helps stop good food from going to waste, offering great value for money at local stores, cafes and restaurants.

Free School Meals, Healthy Start and Childcare Support

For information on free school meals, Healthy Start vouchers and government support with childcare costs, click on the links below:

The links below can also offer help and support with food;