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Foodbanks, free food, and low-cost food
You can get free and low-cost food at different places across Havering.
What is a foodbank?
A foodbank is a place where you can get free or low-cost food if you are unable to buy it. A foodbank can help if you do not have enough money to buy food.
Foodbanks give out food parcels. They usually provide enough food for at least three days.
Foodbanks are welcoming and supportive places. You can also get information and advice while you are there. The volunteers will listen to you and help you find the support you need.
How to get food from a foodbank
Step 1: Get a voucher
You need a voucher to get food from most foodbanks. You can get a voucher from a local organisation, known as a referral agency. Contact the foodbank by email or phone to be directed to a referral agency.
Citizens Advice Havering, Havering Volunteer’s Centre, children’s centres and health visitors are referral agencies in Havering. You can call the Havering Cost of Living Response Team on 01708 434898 to get a voucher.
They will ask for some basic information so that they can support you beyond your food parcel.
Step 2: Go to the foodbank
Once you have a voucher you can go to the foodbank and get your emergency food parcel.
Some foodbanks may contact you once they have received your voucher electronically and have prepared your parcel. However, others require you to bring your voucher to the session and will not contact you beforehand.
Make sure you provide your mobile telephone number and let them know any dietary requirement you have. This will help the foodbank prepare your parcel.
Make sure you check the opening hours before you go.
Find a foodbank near you
- Rainham Foodbank: Rainham Foodbank is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 12:00 – 3:00pm. First Floor, The Mick Fury House, RM13 8HT. Call 01708397484 for a referral.
- Harold Hill Foodbank: Harold Hill Foodbank is open Monday – Friday, 10:30am -1:30pm (excluding bank holidays). Unit 1, Guardian Business Centre, Faringdon Avenue, RM3 AFD. Call Crisis Management Team Havering
Tel: 01708 432280 for a foodbank referral.
- Collier Row & Romford Foodbanks: There are two foodbank locations in Collier Row and Romford.Romford Baptist Church - Mondays and Wednesdays 12-2 (excluding Bank Holidays)Ascension Church, Collier Row – Fridays 12.30-2.15 (excluding Bank Holidays). Call 01708 434898 for a voucher
- Havering Islamic Cultural Centre: You do not need a voucher to go to this foodbank. There is no need for a referral. You can come as often as needed. The foodbank is open 10:00 am – 11:00 am every Saturday, at 9 Bridge Close.
What to expect when you go to the foodbank
When you go to the foodbank you will be welcomed by volunteers. They will be warm and friendly.
You will exchange your foodbank voucher for three days of emergency food. Make sure you let them know any dietary requirements, such as allergies, religious requirements, or dietary preferences in advance.
Your food will be packed into supermarket bags. You can bring your own if you would like.
A typical food parcel contains breakfast cereal, soup, pasta, rice, tinned sauce, tinned beans, tinned vegetables, tea or coffee, and snacks.
You may be able to get some toiletries such as sanitary towels, toilet roll and toothpaste, as well as pet food if it is available.
This video from Bow Foodbank can help you explain what a foodbank is to children.
This video from Trussell explains how foodbanks work. You may find it helpful to watch before you visit.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need to be referred?
Can I go to the foodbank more than once?
Yes, but you need to get a new food voucher each time.
The general rule is that you can get three food parcels within six months. If you require more than three food parcels, you need to explain this to your agency. They may need to contact the foodbank before your voucher can be issued.
What about my dietary requirements?
Let your referral agency know of your dietary requirements, as they can make a note on your voucher that the foodbank will see.
Foodbanks can provide parcels for a range of needs, including people with diabetes, gluten intolerance, vegetarians and halal. They will also try to adapt your parcel if you have food allergies.
Low-cost food in Havering
There places you can get low cost food in Havering.
- Harold Hill Community Food Shop – Harold Hill Library: If your postcode starts with RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4, RM5, RM6, RM7, RM11, RM12, RM13, RM14 you can join the Harold Hill Community Food shop. For £6 a week you can buy discounted fruit, vegetables, and store cupboard items. The pantry is open Tuesdays: 1.00pm - 3.45pm and Thursdays: 1.00pm - 3.45pm. Contact the pantry on 01708 776770 or email communityfoodshop@peabody.org.uk
- Tapestry Community Food Shop – Rainham: If you live in Rainham you can join the Tapestry Community Food Shop. For £6 a week you can buy discounted fruit, vegetables, and store cupboard items. The pantry is open on Wednesday’s, 11:00am – 1:00pm. Call 01708 796600 for more information.
- Havering Islamic Cultural Centre Soup Kitchen: Every Wednesday at 6:00 pm you can get a hot meal from the HICC. 91 Waterloo Road, Romford, Essex, RM7 0AA.
- Harvest Hope CIC Foodbank Outreach - Drinks and takeaway items for £3 per bag based in MyPlace, Harold Hill.
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