Foodbanks and Food Hubs

If you are struggling to make ends meet, there are places where you can collect food for free to keep you going for a few days. Foodbank volunteers are friendly, non-judgmental and are there to help you. Opening times vary, so check websites (links in blue below) before you visit.

Foodbanks that need a referral voucher:

Doctors, social workers, health visitors and other professionals can assess your financial circumstances and give you a voucher for an emergency food parcel that is intended to last you and your family for around three days.

In East Cambs, Ely Foodbank has distribution centres at The Countess Free Church, Ely, St. Andrews Church, Soham, Burwell Day Centre and Holy Trinity Church, Haddenham.

Littleport Foodbank is incorporated with the Community Food Hub, see details below

Find out how to apply for a food voucher here.

Food Projects and Food Hubs that don’t need a referral voucher:

The following food projects and food hubs don’t require a referral from a professional, but the food that is available may vary. Click on the links (in bold and underlined) for more information.

The LuvEly Food Pantry
The Lighthouse Centre, Lynn Road, Ely, CB7 4EG. Usually open Monday and Tuesday 11am to 12pm and Thursday 1pm – 2pm, depending on stock. Check facebook for updates.

Isleham Community Pantry
The Ark Church, 101 Beck Road, Isleham, CB7 5QP. Open Wednesdays 10am – 12pm for residents of Isleham and Fordham.

Littleport Community Food Hub (and Foodbank)
St George’s Church, Littleport, CB6 1PS. Open Tuesdays and Fridays 11am – 12pm, reliant on volunteers and supplies being available, check Facebook for details. The Food Hub asks for a very small payment in return for a basket of food of your choosing.

March Community Fridge
If you live towards the north west of East Cambs and have transport, you may find the March Community Fridge useful just over the Fenland border. All food is free and donations are also accepted. Take a look at their page for more info.

Feeding pets:

Local organisation, Boomerang, offers a pet foodbank if you are struggling to feed your pet. Boomerang will help anyone who genuinely needs assistance – take a look at the area they cover here. If you can’t get to a pet food collection point (contact Boomerang for details), then a volunteer can deliver pet food to you. Boomerang can also be found on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Boomerangspetfoodbank

The Foodbank collection point at the Countess Free Church in Ely occasionally have supplies of pet food but call or email ahead to check supplies.

Other ways to get help:

• If you can travel beyond East Cambs, other initiatives in South Cambs and Fenland may be able to help.
• If you have children and think they might be eligible for free school meals, information about how to apply can be found here. In school holidays, there is also the Cambridgeshire Holiday Activities and Food Programme – find out more here.
• Cambridge Sustainable Food is a useful source of support and information.
• The British Red Cross has a support line for anyone needing urgent access to food or medication.
• Some foodbanks and food projects may be able to deliver a food parcel to you if you cannot get out and about – contact them directly to discuss your needs.

If you would like to donate food:

You can find out what food and provisions are most needed by foodbanks and where you can drop off by contacting your local food hub/project for details.