Call 07393 101018
Free Food in Newcastle
⚠️ If you need food urgently (today/this week):
- Call Food & Solidarity: 07393 101018 - We can provide immediate support
- Visit us in person: 120-126 Buckingham St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5QR
- No referral needed: Unlike most food banks, just call or visit us directly
How to Get Free Food in Newcastle
If you're searching for free food in Newcastle because you can't afford a food shop right now, you have several options. Here's what you need to know:
Option 1: Food & Solidarity (No Referral Needed)
Best for: Ongoing food support without barriers
- No referral required - call us directly
- Membership-based (From £3/month and based on income)
- Receive 2 food parcels per month as a member
- Plus support with housing, evictions, rent issues
- Got no food right now? Contact us for a free Solidarity parcel.
- Contact: 07393 101018
"But I can't afford £3/month" → Call us anyway. We'll work something out. Cost is never a barrier.
Option 2: Traditional Food Banks in Newcastle (Require Referral)
Best for: One-time emergency food parcel
Most Newcastle food banks require a referral voucher from a GP, social worker, Citizens Advice, or other professional. They typically provide:
- 3-5 days of emergency food
- Limited to 2-3 visits per year
- Free (charity-based)
How to get a referral:
- Contact Citizens Advice Newcastle: 0808 278 7868
- Ask your GP surgery for a food bank voucher
- Contact your social worker if you have one
Option 3: Community Fridges & Pay-As-You-Feel Cafes
- Community Larders: Free surplus food, no questions asked (check Facebook for Newcastle community larder locations)
- Olio App: Free food sharing app - download and search Newcastle
Why Food & Solidarity is Different from Free Food Banks
Food banks: Emergency only, 2-3 visits/year, requires referral
Food & Solidarity: Ongoing support (2 parcels/month), no referral, plus we help with housing issues
The catch? Membership costs £3-10/month. But you receive £30-40 worth of food monthly, plus eviction defense and housing support.
Food Support by Newcastle Neighborhood
Free Food in Benwell, Newcastle
Food & Solidarity serves Benwell residents. Call 07393 101018 or visit our West End branch at 120-126 Buckingham St, NE4 5QR.
Free Food in Elswick, Newcastle
Food & Solidarity serves Elswick. We're based in the West End - 10 minute walk from Elswick. Contact: 07393 101018
Free Food in Cowgate, Newcastle/Gateshead
Food & Solidarity has a Cowgate branch serving Gateshead/Cowgate area. Call 07393 101018 for nearest pickup point.
Free Food in Arthur's Hill, Newcastle
Food & Solidarity serves Arthur's Hill from our West End branch. Short walk from Arthur's Hill. Call: 07393 101018
Join Food & Solidarity for Regular Food Support (from £3/month)What's Included in Free Food Parcels?
Typical items in a Food & Solidarity parcel:
- Fresh vegetables (for example: carrots, potatoes and onions)
- A seasonal choice items (such as leeks or swede; cucumber or broccoli)
- Mixed fruit
- Tinned staples (such as tomatoes, beans or pulses)
- A carbohydrate staple (for example pasta or rice)
- Household essentials such as toilet roll when available
Special dietary needs? We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, halal, allergies. Just let us know when you call.
Can't Afford Food This Week? Here's What to Do Right Now
- Call Food & Solidarity: 07393 101018 - We can provide immediate support today
- If you need a traditional food bank voucher: Call Citizens Advice Newcastle on 0808 278 7868
- Check eligibility for emergency grants: Newcastle City Council Welfare Assistance Scheme - 0191 277 3500
- Apply for Universal Credit advance: If waiting for benefits, you can get an advance loan
Beyond Food: How Food & Solidarity Can Help
When you become a Food & Solidarity member (even at £3/month), you get more than just food parcels. We also provide:
- Eviction defense: Organize collective action to stop unjust evictions
- Housing disrepair support: Pressure landlords to fix damp, mould, broken heating
- Bailiff rights advice: Know what bailiffs can and can't do
- Community power: Join campaigns fighting the root causes of poverty
Learn more about what Food & Solidarity does →
Remember: You Deserve to Eat
If you're struggling to afford food, it's not your fault. The system is broken. While we fight to change it, we're here to make sure no one goes hungry.
Call us: 07393 101018
Visit us: 120-126 Buckingham St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5QR
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Food & Solidarity actually free?
Membership costs from £3/month and is based on your income, but you receive 2 food parcels worth many times more! If you genuinely can't afford the £3, call us and we'll find a solution.
Can I get free food TODAY in Newcastle?
Call us at 07393 101018 and explain your situation. We'll do our best to provide immediate support. For traditional food bank referrals (same-day), contact Citizens Advice: 0808 278 7868
What if I'm too embarrassed to ask for food help?
We get it. Asking for help is hard. But there's no shame in needing food - 14 million people in the UK are in food poverty. At Food & Solidarity, you're a member, not a charity case.
No. Traditional food banks often require proof of income, benefits letters, etc. Food & Solidarity doesn't. We trust you. If you say you need help, we believe you.Do I have to prove I'm struggling?
Food & Solidarity Newcastle
120-126 Buckingham St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5QR
07393 101018 | organiser@foodandsolidarity.org
Serving: Benwell, Elswick, Arthur's Hill, Cowgate, and across Newcastle