Foodbanks and Food Hubs

If you are struggling to make ends meet, there are places in South Cambs where you can collect food and essentials for free to keep you going for a few days. Opening times vary, so check websites (links below) before you visit.

Foodbanks that require a referral voucher:

Doctors, social workers, health visitors and other professionals can assess your financial circumstances and give you a voucher for an emergency food parcel that is intended to last you and your family for around three days.

In South Cambs, Cambridge City Foodbank has distribution centres in Northstowe and Cambourne.

Find out how to apply for a food voucher and opening times here.

In South Cambs, Ely Foodbank has a distribution centre at Waterbeach Baptist Church and there is also a distribution centre at Cottenham Baptist Church.

Find out how to apply for a food voucher and opening times here.

Food Projects that are self-referral (you can just turn up & don't need a voucher):

The following food projects and food hubs don’t require a referral from a professional, but the food that is available may vary. Click on the links (in bold and underlined) for more information.

Balsham Mobile Food Hub - visiting once a week with low/no cost food and essentials from Hope on the Go.

Bar Hill Food Hub – open on Mondays 10am-12 noon.

Bassingbourn Community Food Bank - check opening times/hours or find out more by emailing [email protected]

Cambourne Community Food Project – open Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday from 10am-1pm at Cambourne Community Hub on the High Street.

Cottenham Mobile Food Hub - visiting once a week with low/no cost food and essentials from Hope on the Go (from Monday, 17 November 2025)

Duxford Mobile Food Hub - visiting once a week with low/no cost food and essentials from Hope on the Go.

Fulbourn Mobile Food Hub - visiting once a week with low/no cost food and essentials from Hope on the Go.

Gamlingay Community Fridge & NeedHub  is a joint project between Gamlingay Baptist Church and St Mary’s Church. The Community Fridge aims to reduce food waste by taking food that would be thrown away by local shops and offering it for free. The Fridge is open every Monday-Friday, from 10-12. The Gamlingay NeedHub supports households that are struggling for whatever reason, and a food parcel can be delivered up to once a week, at no cost. Get in touch and volunteers at the NeedHub will offer free and confidential help until you no longer need it.

Harston Community Food Hub - set up by the village’s Baptist Church to support low income local families; open every Wednesday & Saturday 11.30am-12.30pm.

Reach Community Projects Foodbank, Haverhill – if you are in need of food, there's more information here.

Linton Mobile Food Hub - visiting once a week with low/no cost food and essentials from Hope on the Go.

Melbourn Foodbank - located at the Sports Pavilion on the Moor (what 3 words swing.that.putts) on Mondays & Thursdays 9.30-11.30am (from 3 November 2025). For more information contact Stephanie Trayhurn via [email protected]  or call 07483 176929

Meldreth Community Foodbank - open on Tuesdays between 9am and 12 noon.

Northstowe Mobile Food Hub - visiting once a week with low/no cost food and essentials from Hope on the Go.

Orchard Park Mobile Food Hub - visiting once a week with low/no cost food and essentials from Hope on the Go.

Papworth Mobile Food Hub - visiting once a week with low/no cost food and essentials from Hope on the Go.

Royston Evangelical Church Foodbank – open on Wednesdays and Saturdays 9am to 11am contact [email protected] for more info.

Sawston – John Huntingdon’s Charity - providing bags of food for people in need in Sawston and the surrounding villages. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Feeding pets:

Boomerangs Pet Foodbank may be able to help if you are struggling to feed your pet. If you can’t get to a pet food collection point, then a volunteer may be able to deliver pet food to you. There's more information on the Facebook page.

Other ways to get help:

• If you do not live near a foodbank but are in need of emergency food and cannot travel, you can contact Hope Against Poverty CIC on this link or you can email [email protected]
• If you can travel beyond South Cambs, details of Foodbanks and Food Hubs in and around Cambridge City can be found here.
• If you have children and think they might be eligible for free school meals, information about how to apply can be found here. In school holidays, there is also the Cambridgeshire Holiday Activities and Food Programme - find out more here.
• Cambridge Sustainable Food is a useful source of support and information.
• Some foodbanks and food projects may be able to deliver a food parcel to you if you cannot get out and about - contact them directly to discuss your needs.

If you would like to donate food:

You can find out what food and provisions are most needed by foodbanks and where you can drop off items here, or you can contact your local food hub/project for details.