Food Poverty
Food poverty is commonly defined as 'the inability to acquire or consume an adequate or sufficient quantity of food in socially acceptable ways, or the uncertainty that one will be able to do so’. It is a pressing issue that affects individuals and communities worldwide.
Food poverty can be a long-term challenge or a temporary situation resulting from sudden changes in personal circumstances. People living in food poverty often struggle to afford sufficient nutritious food or face difficulties accessing it within their communities. This can lead to reliance on emergency food aid, such as food banks, to meet their basic needs.
Addressing food poverty requires a multifaceted approach involving government policies, community initiatives, and collaborations with charitable organizations. By raising awareness, advocating for change, and supporting local efforts, we can work towards reducing food poverty and ensuring that everyone has access to sufficient, nutritious food.
Immediate Crisis Provision
Local food banks are charities that give food to people who can't afford it, are available for short-term emergency food in a crisis. Please find the below list of food banks that are currently availbile in a crisis:
Other Provision
Other local providers that support residents with food provision, advice and guidance are also availible.
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Aylesham & Rural Pantry
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Call: 01304 840 134
Email: enquiries@bechange.org.uk
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Ackholt Road
Aylesham
Canterbury
CT3 3AJ
Tuesday - 09.30am - 12.00noon
Thursday - 12.30pm - 3.00pm
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Dover Pantry
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Call: 07898 045 384
Email: manager@doverpantry.org.uk
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Dover Pantry
Unit 16 Charlton Centre
High Street
Dover
CT16 1TT
Monday: 11.00am - 2.00pm
Tuesday: 11.00am - 2.00pm
Wednesday: 11.00am - 2.00pm
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Sandwich Pantry
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Call: 07377 808477
Email: Oursandwichpantry@gmail.com
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Jubilee Centre
Jubilee Rd
Sandwich
CT13 0QP
Mondays 1-3pm
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Ongoing preparatory work for Deal Social Supermarket is currently underway.
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Bechange
Support for families in need including the community fridge project.
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Call 01304 840134
Email enquiries@bechange.org.uk
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Bechange
Ackholt Rd
Aylesham
Canterbury
CT3 3AJ
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Chequers Community
Kitchen Keen2Cook classes (how to cook with fresh ingredients on a tight budget). Classes are subsidised by grant funders. Meal deliveries to local area.
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Call 01304 362288 Email info@chequers.kitchen
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Chequers Kitchen
The Chequers
Golf Rd
Deal, Kent
CT14 6RG
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Sunrise Café
A community café run as a social enterprise for the benefit of the whole Dover community operating a ‘pay what you can afford’ model.
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Call 01304 448070
EmailInfo@sunrisecafedover.com
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Sunrise Cafe
168 Snargate Street
Dover CT17 9BZ
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Household Support Fund
Dover District Council has received funding from Kent County Council to support households who would otherwise struggle to buy food or pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs, through the Household Support Fund.
New applications can be made by contacting our providers below from 1st June 2023.
Eligible support could include:
- Food
- Energy and water (including sewage)
- Essentials linked to energy and water
- Wider essentials subject to discussion
- Housing costs in exceptional cases of genuine emergency
If you feel you are eligible to access this fund, please contact one of the organisations below who will be able to discuss with you the support required and assist accordingly:
If you have any questions on the Household Support Fund, please contact Community@dover.gov.uk
Healthy Start
Support for young parents
You could qualify for the Healthy Start scheme if you're on benefits and are at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4. If you're under 18 and pregnant you automatically qualify even if you are not on any benefits.
Through the Healthy Start scheme, you get a prepaid card which is reloaded with money every 4 weeks to spend on milk, plain fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, and infant formula milk. The card also entitles you to free vitamins.
To find out more, visit Help to buy food, milk and vitamins - Kent County Council