If you’ve reached a point where paying for groceries feels impossible, you are far from alone. Rising living costs have pushed many households into difficult situations, and for some, the choice between paying bills and buying food has become a reality. It can be upsetting to find your money doesn’t stretch far enough to cover the essentials, but there is help out there and there are steps you can take right now to make things easier.
This guide explains exactly what to do when you can’t afford food, where to turn for immediate help with food bills, and how to explore longer-term food support options. It will also cover ways to address the bigger financial picture, so you have a sustainable plan to avoid this happening again.
Acting quickly makes a difference
When money is tight, it can be tempting to delay asking for help in the hope things will improve. But when it comes to food and essentials, acting early can mean the difference between having several options to choose from and facing a real emergency. The sooner you speak to someone about your situation, the sooner you can be connected with practical support.
If you’ve found yourself skipping meals or relying on friends and family for food, this is a clear sign to seek assistance now. Even if you feel uncomfortable talking about money, it’s important to remember that services exist to help – and you are not the first person to need them.
Where to get urgent help with food bills
If you have no food at home and no money to buy any, your first step is to access emergency food help. In many parts of the UK, food banks run by charities such as the Trussell Trust or local churches can provide a parcel of essentials. In most cases, you’ll need a referral from a professional such as a GP, housing officer, or adviser from Citizens Advice. Once referred, you’ll receive a voucher to take to a food bank collection point, where you’ll be given enough to cover a few days’ meals.
Alongside food banks, some areas have community kitchens or “food clubs” where you can collect food at a reduced price. These may run from community centres or places of worship, and often operate on a drop-in basis without the need for a referral. They can be an important way of keeping food on the table while you explore longer-term solutions.
Local councils may also run emergency assistance schemes, which can include supermarket vouchers or food parcels. These schemes vary by area, so it’s worth visiting your council’s website or calling them directly to ask what’s available.
Checking your entitlement to extra income
Sometimes, people find they can’t afford food because their income is lower than it should be. It’s worth checking whether you could be entitled to extra help through benefits or grants. Even if you’ve claimed before, your circumstances may have changed, opening the door to more support.
Universal Credit is the main benefit for people on low incomes and can include housing costs as well as a standard allowance. If you’re responsible for children, you may also be entitled to Child Benefit, while the Healthy Start scheme offers vouchers for milk, fruit, vegetables, and vitamins if you’re pregnant or have a child under four. For school-aged children, free school meals are available to eligible families across the UK.
If you’re unsure what you might qualify for, a benefits calculator – such as the one on the MoneyHelper website – can give you a clear idea of what to apply for and how to claim it.
Looking at your wider financial picture
Finding yourself unable to afford food is often linked to a bigger money problem, such as high utility bills or large debt repayments taking up most of your income. If this is the case, tackling the root cause is just as important as finding emergency food support.
If household bills are eating into your budget, it’s worth contacting your suppliers to explain your situation. Energy and water companies may be able to offer a more manageable payment plan, or even access to hardship funds that can free up money for essentials.
When debts are the problem, getting professional debt advice can make a big difference. At MoneyPlus, we can help you understand whether a Debt Management Plan (DMP) or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) could reduce your monthly outgoings. By lowering payments on unsecured debts, you can make sure your priority bills – including food – are covered first.
Managing your budget when every penny counts
When money is tight, careful planning can help you make the most of what you have. Instead of shopping day-to-day, try to plan your meals for the week ahead. This can help you avoid unnecessary purchases and reduce waste. Choosing supermarket value ranges and buying certain items in bulk can also make your budget go further.
Batch cooking is another useful approach – preparing larger portions of meals and freezing them means you always have something ready, and it can often work out cheaper than cooking from scratch every day. Loyalty cards and discount vouchers are worth using too, as they can provide small but consistent savings over time.
Exploring long-term food support options
If your difficulty affording food is ongoing rather than a one-off crisis, it’s important to look at more sustainable forms of support. Some communities have food co-operatives where members contribute a small regular fee and share bulk-bought items at lower prices. Others run community gardens or allotments where you can grow your own produce.
During school holidays, many councils and charities provide free or low-cost meals for children. These schemes can help families bridge the gap when free school meals aren’t available. By combining these longer-term food support options with changes to your budget and any extra income you can claim, you can reduce the risk of needing emergency food help in the future.
A step-by-step plan for when you can’t afford food
If you’re facing this situation now, start by making sure you have food for the immediate future – whether through a food bank, community kitchen, or council support. Next, look at your finances and apply for any benefits you may be entitled to.
Once urgent needs are met, review your spending and prioritise food and housing above non-essential payments. If debt is making it impossible to do this, seek professional advice. A tailored solution could make your money go further and reduce the likelihood of finding yourself in the same position again.
Finally, consider joining local food clubs or co-ops, or taking part in community growing schemes. While these won’t replace your usual grocery shopping entirely, they can make a helpful contribution to your overall food supply.
Getting support beyond food
While this guide focuses on what to do if you can’t afford food, the reality is that this situation is often part of a wider challenge with money. That’s why it’s important to address not just the symptom, but the cause.
At MoneyPlus, we work with people every day who are dealing with more than one financial pressure at the same time. Our aim is to help you understand the options available and find a professional debt management solution that fits your circumstances. You can also visit MoneyHelper for free, impartial advice on managing debt and household bills.
Taking the first step to get help may feel daunting, but it can be the start of a plan that allows you to cover essentials like food and keep your household running smoothly. The sooner you act, the more choices you have – and there is always help available if you know where to look.
