Food and clothing

If you are struggling to buy food, a local food bank can help. Some food banks can help with more than just food, including providing energy vouchers, free sanitary products, or finding suitable clothing for starting a new job.

To get an emergency food package, you might need a food voucher which can be issued by your GP, local social work team, Jobcentre Plus or your local Citizens Advice Bureau.  The food bank will tell you where you can get a voucher in your area.

If you live in a rural area and can't afford to get to a food bank, you might be able to get an emergency delivery of food. Check with your local food bank to see if they offer this service.

Managing food costs can be difficult as it is often hard to work out how much you actually spend feeding your household. Most families will spend what they have left after paying for bills rather than budgeting their food costs.

If you're on a low income or if you want help to plan your meals, reduce food wastage and cut down food bills, then there are several tips you can follow:

• NHS's Change4Life has several healthy cost-saving recipes to help you eat well whilst saving money 
  
• Parent Club has handy guides on food and eating to help reduce your food bill and get your kids eating healthy.

Every child at local council schools can get free school lunches during term-time in primary 1 to 5. This applies to all children in these years - your family's financial circumstances do not matter. Your child might be entitled to free school meals after primary 5 if you are getting certain benefits or are experiencing financial hardship.

Children who are over two and are receiving free early learning and childcare are also eligible for free school meals.

Contact your child's school or local council if your child is not getting free lunches at this age.

Some children in funded childcare before starting school (early learning and childcare) can also get free meals.

You might be able to get a school clothing grant to help with the costs of school uniform if you're on a low income. Everybody who gets a school clothing grant will get at least:

• £120 per child of primary school age
• £150 per child of secondary school age

Some local councils offer you more money and the grant is normally cash paid into your bank account. 

Your local council might give you vouchers. Some shops might not accept the vouchers. If you are unable to use the vouchers, you should contact your local council.

Your award might not cover all costs and in some local council areas, other sources of help are available such as school clothing banks. Speak to your child’s school or your local council for more information.