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, Non-urgent and Further Support 

Please click the link to access our Dover District Support Leaflet.

This leaflet provides information on food provision, debt advice, energy advice and housing support, grouped by:

  • Immediate support
  • Non-urgent support
  • Further support
  • Community Hubs 
  • and finally, how you can engage with DDC through our Community Roots Van. 

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. 

Eligible support could include:

  • Food support 
  • Utilites such as energy and water
  • Wider essentials subject to discussion
  • Housing costs in exceptional cases of genuine emergency
  • Support and advice around all things cost of living. 

If you feel you are eligible to access this fund, please see our webpage for further details: Household Support Fund

If you have any questions on the Household Support Fund, please contact Community@dover.gov.uk. 

Free School Meal Voucher Support

Eligible families receiving benefits related free school meals will receive voucher support direct from their eligible child/children’s school. Food vouchers will be available to FSM (Free School Meal) eligible children for the October/Christmas/February/Easter school holiday periods = 6 weeks at £10 per week per eligible Child, plus an additional one off £40 supermarket food voucher at Christmas; with plans to distribute these vouchers currently underway. Any queries concerning eligibility, accessing vouchers or general enquiries made in this regard should be directed to the Free School Meal team FreeSchoolMeals@kent.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: Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)