{"id":9181,"date":"2026-08-04T15:38:02","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T14:38:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living-2\/the-best-place\/five-challenges-for-devon-2\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T15:38:02","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T14:38:23","slug":"food-support","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living\/help-with-living-costs\/food-support\/","title":{"rendered":"Food support"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n

Food support<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

If you’re struggling with food costs, support is available through community food projects, food banks, free school meals and programmes that help families during the school holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Community food support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Community food services provide free or low-cost food and are often known as community fridges, community larders, food pantries or food hubs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many community fridges and larders help reduce food waste by redistributing surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. They are usually open to everyone and do not require a referral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find community food projects near you<\/a> on the Recycle Devon website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food banks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’re unable to afford food, you may be able to get support from a food bank. Food banks can provide emergency food and may also help connect you with advice and other sources of support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find out how to access food banks and other food support through Citizens Advice<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free school meals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your child is eligible for benefits-related free school meals, it’s important to apply even if they already receive universal infant free school meals in reception, year 1 or year 2. This can help your child’s school access additional funding to support their learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children in year 3 and above may also qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check eligibility and apply for free school meals<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holiday activities and food programme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The holiday activities and food (HAF) programme provides activities and healthy meals for eligible children during the school holidays, helping families with food costs while schools are closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find out more about the HAF programme<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Looking for more support?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n