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Food Banks | Food Drop Ins | Food Pantries | Street Outreach | Healthy Holidays by Foodwise
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Food banks have seen a significant increase over the last decade, not just in Leeds, but across the United Kingdom. As with any definition it is subjective and open to interpretation as to how one defines a Food Bank. Two key characteristics that are often found at foodbanks are that the person who is receiving food has often been referred by another agency/group, using some kind of referral system. Secondly, the recipient receives a food parcel which they take back to their house/accommodation when accessing.
Many of the outlets of these Trussell Trust foodbanks have started to reopen since the height of the pandemic. Please see below for relevant opening times.
To register as an agency for online referrals, please contact either of the foodbanks directly by email:
• info@leedsnorthandwest.foodbank.org.uk
• info@leedssouthandeast.foodbank.org.uk
The new National Citizens Advice helpline freephone number 0808 208 2138 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm) can also help people with getting a referral.
A map of food provision options in Leeds can also be found on Finding Emergency Food.
Salvation Army Sites
Salvation Army in Hunslet and Morley both run food parcel services for those in need. One location is in LS27 8PZ (contact 0113 2380422) and the other is in LS11 6QB (contact 0113 2423709).
Food drop ins, also known as soup kitchens, provide a very substantial form of food aid provision in the city of Leeds. A significant proportion of the people they serve have experienced or are experiencing homelessness. Two of the main characteristics which drop ins have is that they are accessible without the need for a referral and often involve the serving of a meal or sandwich and/or soup.
Churches and Christian initiatives have been known for running and providing a suitable venue for this type of food provision to take place and there may be some facilities that are aimed specifically at catering for refugees and asylum seekers. Please read below regarding some of the different types of drop ins in Leeds.
St Anne's Resource Centre
Open: Monday to Friday (breakfast 8:30-10am)
Groups also offer food there: Mon 6:15-7:45pm, Tue 6:30-7:45pm, Thu 6-7:30pm, Fri 6-7:30pm.
Address: St Anne's Resource Centre, York Street, LS9 8AA
UCKG Help Centre
Offers food and befriending support.
Open: Saturday 11am-1pm
Address: 12 Regent Street, LS2 7QA
Life Church
Providing a loving environment, food and clothing to the most vulnerable in Leeds.
Open: Thursday 12:30-2:30pm
Address: Life Church, 98 Kirkstall Road, LS3 1HJ
Blessed of The Father
Open: Sunday 4-6pm
Address: Calvary International Christian Centre, 53 Cardigan Lane, Burley, LS4 2LE
Phone: 07745 748404
Winner's Chapel
No referral needed.
Open: Sunday 4-6pm
Address: Calvary International Christian Centre, 53 Cardigan Lane, Burley, LS4 2LE
Phone: 0113 278 0483
St Aidan's
Food parcel drop in, no referral needed.
Open: Saturday 10:30am-12pm
Address: St Aiden's Church, Elford Place West, LS8 5QD
Phone: 07754 450967
Food Cycle (for refugees/asylum seekers)
Open: 6:30pm. Wednesday: Beeston, Thursday: Harehills
Beeston: Hamara Centre, LS11 6RD. Harehills: St Aidan's Church Hall, LS8 5QD.
Food pantries operate by enabling vulnerable people to pay approximately £3:50 a week to receive approximately £15 of fresh food each week. This is supplied by organisations such as FareShare Yorkshire and Rethink Food. Some operate independently whereas others are run in partnership with larger organisations.
Also known as soup runs, they usually involve groups of people going out onto the streets to feed the homeless community. This can sometimes be done by the group in question setting up a mobile outreach facility in a specific geographical location or by a group engaging in fluid outreach, where they circulate around the city centre, befriending and giving out food as they go.
The Healthy Holidays programme is run by Foodwise Leeds and provides nutritious food and engaging activities during the school holidays for children living in poverty.
The programme supports families on low incomes or benefits, whose children are eligible for free school meals. It's delivered by Leeds Community Foundation, with support from Leeds City Council and the Department for Education's Holiday Activities and Food Programme.