CUH food bank collection point
There is a real chance that you are working with colleagues and patients who may not be able to afford to eat, heat their homes or meet their daily living costs.
If you are able, please donate to our year-round food bank collection point which is located outside M&S in the Concourse. Please donate non-perishable food items, pet food and toiletries. All donations go directly to the Cambridge food banks as the pressure on them continues to be significant.
How to access food banks if you need support
If you know of patients or colleagues who may be facing financial difficulties, or you yourself need some extra help, there are a number of sources that offer advice and support.
Trussell Trust support a nationwide network of food banks to provide a minimum of three days’ emergency food to people in crisis, alongside additional support.
To get help from a food bank, call 0808 2082138 for free (Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00) to talk confidentially to a trained Citizens Advice adviser who will talk to you about the problems you’re facing and issue you with a food bank voucher (opens in a new tab) so you can get an emergency food parcel if you need one.
You can also contact your local food bank (opens in a new tab) who will be able to tell you which referral agencies they work with in your area and how you can get a voucher for a food parcel.
Other support available
Community Fridges
Community Fridge is a space that brings people together to eat, connect, learn new skills and reduce food waste. Local people can share food and this includes surplus from supermarkets, local food businesses, producers, households and gardens. Find your local Community Fridge here (opens in a new tab).
Food hubs
Food hubs can provide free food and are run independently and often you do not need a referral. Cambridge Sustainable Food (opens in a new tab) coordinates food hubs in Cambridge; if you are struggling to afford food, please complete their online form (opens in a new tab) to learn how they can support you.
Free holiday lunches for families
Councils provide free lunches and activities for families with nursery and school-aged children during the school holidays. Meals are available for families who normally receive free school meals, or who find the added expense of food in the school holidays challenging to manage. Contact your local council for more information.
Newmarket Open Door
Newmarket Open Door (opens in a new tab) operates a community pop up shop every Thursday at 11.00 at the Catholic Church Parish Centre, Exeter Road, Newmarket (next to Waitrose). The pop up shop is open to all and just £2 per visit.
Discounted food offers
Too Good To Go (opens in a new tab) is a service that connects individuals to local shops and restaurants that have surplus unsold food, which is often available for a discounted cost. Download the app from your mobile app store and search your local area to see what is available to order (other similar apps are also available; check your mobile app store).