Tell someone clearly
Contact the council’s local welfare or cost-of-living service, Citizens Advice, a family hub, school, GP social prescriber or housing officer. Say there is no food available today.
Food and essentials
Need food or essentials?
Start with what you need today, then check longer-term support so the same crisis is less likely to repeat.
Immediate help
If there is no food today
Ask about same-day options
Ask about emergency food parcels, supermarket vouchers, community meals, community fridges and local welfare assistance.
Explain dietary and household needs
State the number and ages of people, allergies, cultural or medical diets, baby formula, nappies, cooking facilities and whether collection is possible.
Check the next seven days
Ask about benefits, free school meals, Healthy Start, budgeting or debt support so the immediate parcel is not the only action.
Example wording
“My household has no food available today. There are [number] adults and [number] children aged [ages]. We need [dietary/baby needs]. I can/cannot collect. Please tell me the quickest emergency option and whether a referral or voucher is required.”
Find a food bank
Search the Trussell network and check opening and referral rules before travelling.
Open official service →Lewisham Council
Search the official council website for “cost of living” or “food support”.
Open official service →Southwark Council
Search the official council website for “cost of living” or “food support”.
Open official service →Food banks
How referrals usually work
1
Find the service
Check postcode coverage, opening time and whether it is walk-in or referral-only.
2
Get referred
Common referrers include Citizens Advice, councils, schools, GPs, housing teams and support workers.
3
Receive voucher/details
Confirm the reference, collection address and what ID or bags to bring.
4
Tell them your needs
Share allergies, no-cook needs, baby items and access requirements.
Before travelling: opening times and stock can change. Telephone or check the provider’s official page on the same day.
Children
School meals, holidays and baby essentials
Contact the school
Ask the school office or family-support worker about free school meals, breakfast clubs, hardship funds and holiday programmes.
Check eligibility
Apply even when unsure. Eligibility can depend on benefits and the child’s circumstances, and rules may differ by age or area.
Ask about Healthy Start
Pregnant people and families with young children may be able to receive support for milk, fruit, vegetables and vitamins.
Find baby-bank support
Family hubs, health visitors and local charities may refer for nappies, clothing, equipment or formula support.
Free school meals
Check the national starting information and follow the council/school application route.
Open official service →Healthy Start
Check eligibility and apply for Healthy Start support.
Open official service →Holiday activities and food
Search your council website for the current holiday activities and food programme.
Open official service →Longer-term support