Help with food

Contact New Forest Citizens Advice (0808 278 7860) if you're struggling to afford enough food to discuss options which could include a referral to a food bank in New Forest.

There are several food and basics banks in the New Forest including:

There are weekly FareShare food larders across the New Forest.

There are 3 community fridges located in Hythe, Ringwood and Fordingbridge libraries. These don't need a referral and are free.

Community First Wessex have created a map of food and basic banks in the New Forest.

The Food Rescue Kitchen is based at New Forest Basics Bank in Lymington and redistributes excess food to those who need it. No referral is required. There is also the Let's start saving food campaign where you can search for unsold food near you to reduce waste and get food at a cheaper cost.

If you're at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old, you might be able to get free vitamins and a Healthy Start card for milk, fruit and vegetables and infant formula milk.

If you or your child receive certain benefits, you can apply for free school meals from Year 3 and above.

For information and resources to reduce food waste, and save money, visit Love Food Hate Waste.

Check if your child is eligible for free holiday provision through the Holiday Activities and Food Programme running in the summer and Christmas holidays.