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Crisis food support

If you have no money and are unable to buy food, there are several crisis food providers in your area. Some of the providers, such as Sunderland Foodbank, can accept self-referrals. Other providers prefer organisations who are working with people to make the referrals on their behalf. Organisations include social landlords (such as Gentoo), welfare rights advice providers, and some NHS services.

We may also be able to refer you if you are in financial crisis and have no food. Please find support for the area of the city where you live by clicking on the relevant link below:

Food support in the Coalfields area - Herrington and Newbottle, Hetton, Houghton North, Houghton South and Hetton Downs, Penshaw and Shiney Row.

Food support in the East area - Deptford and Hendon, Doxford Park, Grangetown, Ryhope, Tunstall and Humbledon.

Food support in the North area - Fulwell, Hylton Castle, Redhouse, Roker, Southwick. 

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

Food support in the West area - Barnes and Thornhill, Farringdon and Silksworth, Grindon and Thorney Close, Pallion and Ford, Pennywell and South Hylton.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a new fund - Crisis and Resilience Fund - Crisis payments - that provides short term help for people who cannot afford their immediate, essential needs.

You may be able to get a Crisis Payment if:

  • You have had a sudden financial shock (such as an unexpected bill or a drop in income), or
  • You are at risk of going into a crisis, or your current crisis could get worse without help

The council's Local Welfare provision - Crisis support scheme can provide support under certain circumstances, if you are struggling financially, are vulnerable and are unable to meet your immediate needs, you may be eligible for support if you cannot get help from anywhere else . 

Crisis Support may provide help with food where a local foodbank is unable to help, and fuel (only for prepayment meter customers) where you have experienced an unforeseen crisis or emergency.