CHRISTMAS can be a hard time for many, especially with the cost of living on the rise, but Herefordshire has food banks and community larders open for those needing a meal.
These are places where people have donated food for those who need a helping hand.
Where can I get food?
The Hereford Food Bank works though a system of referrals from various statutory and voluntary agencies. If you need food assistance then you need to contact one of these agencies or individuals. A list of agencies can be found here.
The food bank delivers weekly food parcels between Monday and Friday.
If you are not sure if you qualify, contact 01432 607011, weekdays from 10am to 3pm, or email manager@herefordfoodbank.co.uk
St Martin’s Foodshare collects every night from different supermarkets across Hereford. Some food is saved for the main FoodShare sessions, some is frozen, and the rest goes into the community fridge.
The main FoodShare sessions are 11am on Monday at Hunderton Scout Hut, noon on Monday at St Martin's Church and Hall, and noon on Friday at Belmont Community Centre.
St Paul's C of E Primary School Food Bank
The food bank in Tupsley arranges for parents or members of the local community to collect food from the school food bank at a time that is convenient for them.
Email sbagley@st-pauls.hereford.sch.uk or call 01432 273784 to enquire confidentially.
Food parcels are arranged Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
The Living Room run a community larder scheme for low-cost food.
For just £5, you get your bag of shopping with a minimum of 10 items. Items available will depend on stock.
Community larder open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.
Call 01432 381838 or email team@ethos.uk.com for more information.
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Leominster Food Bank is open every Tuesday and Friday from 11am to 12pm at the Old Priory, which is behind Leominster Priory Church. Food parcels will be given if you have a referral voucher.
If you are unable to attend at these times, it is possible to arrange to pick up on a Thursday evening, by appointment only.
Email leominsterfoodbank@gmail.com or call 07715 410575.
Leominster Food Bank run a free food share on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2pm to 3pm at the Old Priory, behind Leominster Priory Church.
Everyone is welcome to access free supermarket surplus food such as bread, fruit, and vegetables.
The community larder is open every Tuesday from 9am to 11am in St Mary’s Church hall.
Anyone wishing to donate food (non-perishable goods) can bring it to the larder during opening hours.
Email crclarder@outlook.com for more information.
Food parcels usually contain up to seven days of food (including fresh, chilled and frozen) - sufficient to feed a family whether there is one of you or many, including pets. Essential household items (cleaning products, toilet rolls, toothpaste and shampoo) are also available.
You can collect your parcel when during opening hours, or the foodbank can provide a discreet delivery service.
Please call before noon on Monday for Tuesday morning collections and deliveries, and before noon on Wednesday for Thursday collections and deliveries.
Call or text 07942 672077
Ledbury Food Bank is open every Wednesday and Friday between 10am and noon and Thursday evening 6pm to 8pm, at Unit 1, Homend Trading Estate, which is next to the train station.
You do not need a pre-authorised voucher or form, just speak to one of the co-ordinators, in confidence, on the day.
Email food@ledburyfoodbank.org or call 07581 283092 for more information.
The Zero Waste Stall in Ross-on-Wye is open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am until the food runs out. It also serves free soup on Wednesdays and Fridays.
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