Food and hygiene
If you are a Southend resident and are finding it difficult to access food or hygiene products, there is support available to help you.
Southend has a strong local offer, supported by the Food Poverty Partnership, a group of local voluntary and community organisations that meet monthly to coordinate support and respond to local needs. As part of this work, a Food Provision Map has been created, showing where you can access food and hygiene items. To request a copy of the map, please email StrategicCommissioning@southend.gov.uk.
Places that can help you with food and toiletries
You can also get in touch with local community groups yourself. Here is a short list of groups that might be able to help you:
Storehouse
- referrals: no referral needed except for the Wednesday family session
- tel: 01702 612900 (Vineyard Centre) / 01702 617348 (Direct).
The One Love Project
- referrals: no referral necessary
- address: Hollybrook, Carnarvon Road (Behind Police Station), SS2 6LR
St Vincent's Centre Southend
- referrals: no referrals
- free food parcel delivery for people that have mobility or medical exemptions, call: 01702 592980 (deliveries on Tuesday)
- address: Unit 9 Victoria Business Park, Short Street - Southend SS2 5BY
Southend Foodbank: Free, three-day food parcels
- referral: referral needed
- access referrals from: SAVS 01702 356000, Early Help 01702 215783, South Essex Community Hub Tel: 01702 611199 Email: info@sech-uk.com, Citizens Advice Southend: 01702 456352 or 01702 456354, Welcome to the UK: 01702808579
Southend FOOD Club - Family Action (Food On Our Doorstep)
- they provide good-quality food at a low cost, while also reducing food waste. It costs just £1 a year for a family to become a member. Members can then purchase a bag of tasty food items every week worth approx. £10-12 for just £4.00. To become a member you must live or work within 15 minutes of the club.
- referral: Email SouthendFoodClubs@family-action.org.uk or phone Karen on 07812496015 / Natasha on 07971951636 who will help you join as a member and book you a timed slot to attend a club.
Southend Care Bank (Toiletry Care bank): Free toiletry/essentials bag, period/baby bag,
- referrals: no referrals
- address: Westcliff Library 649 London Road, Westcliff-On-Sea SS0 9PD