Need immediate help?
If you're in an emergency situation, please contact:
Ways to access emergency food support
In Leeds, there are several ways to access emergency food support. Here are the main options:
About food banks
Food banks provide short-term emergency food parcels to individuals and families in crisis. Most food banks require a referral voucher but can provide 3-7 days' worth of basic food supplies.
Learn more about Leeds food banks, including locations and opening times.
Unable to visit in person?
If you have mobility issues or health reasons preventing you from visiting a food bank in person, some food banks may offer delivery services. Please explain your situation when contacting the food bank.
Additional support
If you have children, you may be eligible for extra support:
- If your child is eligible for free school meals, contact their school to learn about additional support that may be available during holidays.
- Check the Healthy Holidays programme for food and activities provided for children during school holidays.
- If you have children under 5, you may be eligible for Healthy Start vouchers which can be used to buy milk, fruit and vegetables.
Long-term support
Food banks and emergency food support are designed to provide short-term assistance. For more long-term support, consider:
- Checking you're receiving all the benefits you're entitled to.
- Contacting debt advice services for support with managing finances.
- Joining a local community food pantry which provides food at lower cost.