Access to Food
With rising living costs, especially fuel and accommodation, food is often part of the budget that gets cut. If you’re struggling to make ends meet, or get enough food on the table, to electricity on the metre, read on:
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At Good Food in Greenwich, we are working to deliver an action plan to tackle food poverty, but many of these changes will take time. In the meantime, make sure you are getting everything you’re entitled to – have a look at our information sheet to find out what support is out there. 
Lunch Clubs
If you’re struggling to feed yourself or your family, or you know someone who is, there are some options out there. We’ve created a list of lunch clubs that provide a hot meal either free or at a low cost.  They are all on the map below – click on one to find out more.  This is followed by some other information to help you get what you need.
Healthy Start Vouchers
If you're pregnant or have children under 4 years old, you can get free vouchers to spend on fruit, vegetables, pulses and milk. You can also get free vitamins for mum and children. Pregnant women and children under 4 years old can get one £4.25 voucher per week, and children under one year old can get £8.50 per week. You can use your vouchers at local shops, supermarkets and pharmacies, and also at Woolwich Market fruit and veg stalls. Your local Children's Centre can help you with the application form, or you can download a copy from the website. For more information and instructions on how to apply, please visit Live Well Greenwich
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Fruit and Veg Stalls
There are  7 fruit and veg stalls across the borough where you can purchase great quality, affordable fruit and veg – at wholesale prices! These stalls also accept Healthy Start vouchers. These stalls are on hold at the moment, but will be up and running again soon, so check back to find out where and when.
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Free School Meals
Free school meals are available to ALL children in reception and years 1 & 2.  School meals are cooked in line with nutritional guidelines, so you know your child will be getting a wholesome, healthy and nutritious meal at lunchtime.  After year 2, your child may still be eligible to free school meals if you receive any benefits.  For more information, visit Greenwich Council website Free School Meals
 
Cookery Clubs
Cooking from scratch can help save money on a food budget and by cooking in bulk reduce costs of electricity and food!  If you’re not confident in the kitchen or feel that you’d like to brush up on your skills, GCDA runs free 5-week cookery clubs throughout the borough all year round.  An opportunity to come together with others to learn how to make healthy, delicious food. All ingredients are provided, and at the end of it, you receive a free recipe book.  For more information and the latest list of clubs, visit the GCDA Greenwich Cookery Club page. Save more money whilst shopping, download our Greenwich shop wise shopping tips
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Food Banks
If you are struggling to get food due to a crisis, you can get a referral to the food bank and pick up food from there.  For more information about accessing food banks and to find out how to get referred, visit their website
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Help with Fuel Costs
Paying for heating your house, or even putting the oven on to cook some dinner can be a real challenge with rising costs and ridiculous rates.  But don’t despair – help is out there with South East London Community Energy (SELCE). They are  helping people who are currently struggling to keep their homes warm in winter by providing advice and support through our pop-up energy advice cafes.
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Live Well Line – someone to  talk to!
But, if you just want to pick up the phone and talk to someone, you can do that too!  Call the Live Well Line on 0800 4704831 to chat with someone about any of these things that are worrying you, and they will be able to help.