If you’re hungry right now and have no money for food, you’re not alone-and you don’t have to go without. In Bristol, there are real, working systems in place to help people get meals when they’re stuck. This isn’t about charity alone. It’s about community support that’s active, accessible, and ready to step in.
Food banks are open and ready to help
Food banks in Bristol don’t just hand out canned goods. They give you hot meals, fresh bread, fruit, vegetables, and sometimes even baby formula or toiletries. You don’t need proof of income, a referral, or even an ID. Most just ask for your name and how many people you’re feeding.
The Trussell Trust runs over 15 food banks across the city, including ones in Bedminster, St. Paul’s, and Lawrence Hill. They work with local churches, schools, and community centres. You can walk in during opening hours-no appointment needed. Hours are usually 10am to 1pm or 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Some even open on weekends.
Don’t assume you’re not ‘bad enough’ to qualify. If you’re skipping meals because you can’t afford to eat, you qualify. Food banks exist for people who’ve just lost a job, had their benefits delayed, or are living on £5 a day after rent and bills.
Other places offering free meals
Not all help comes from food banks. Some cafés and community kitchens serve hot, sit-down meals for free. The Bristol Food Union runs a daily meal service at the St. Mary Redcliffe Church Hall. They serve lunch from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, Monday to Friday. No questions asked. People come from all walks of life-students, single parents, people sleeping rough, and those just between jobs.
There’s also the Soup Kitchen at St. Mary’s Cathedral, open every evening at 5:30pm. They serve a full hot meal with dessert and tea. Volunteers are always there to chat. You’re not just getting food-you’re being seen.
In the Easton area, the Easton Community Centre runs a weekly ‘Pay What You Can’ café. If you have nothing, you pay nothing. If you have £2, you give £2. It keeps the kitchen running without turning anyone away.
How to find the nearest help
You don’t need to guess where to go. Call the Bristol Food Network helpline at 0117 903 0555. They’re open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. They’ll text or email you the closest food bank, meal service, or outreach van based on your postcode.
Or text ‘FOOD’ to 80011. You’ll get a reply with three nearby options, their opening times, and what to bring (usually just yourself). This service works even if you have no credit or data-just a basic phone.
Many libraries in Bristol also have food aid noticeboards. The Central Library on College Green has a volunteer on duty every Tuesday and Thursday who can print out directions or walk you to the nearest service.
What to expect when you go
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a volunteer who’ll ask your name and how many people you need food for. They might ask if you have any dietary needs-gluten-free, halal, vegetarian-but they won’t push you to answer. If you’re uncomfortable, just say ‘no thanks’.
You’ll get a bag with enough food for 3 days: rice, pasta, beans, tinned fish, soup, fruit, bread, and sometimes eggs or cheese. Some places give out fresh vegetables from local farms. Others include hygiene items like toothpaste or sanitary pads.
If you’re in a hurry, you can ask for a ‘grab-and-go’ pack. No waiting. No forms. Just food.
What if you’re too scared to go?
It’s okay to feel nervous. Shame, fear, or pride can stop people from asking for help. But every person who walks into a food bank is someone’s parent, sibling, or neighbour. You’re not a burden. You’re a human being in a hard moment.
If you can’t go yourself, call a friend, a neighbour, or even a local church. Ask them to pick up a bag for you. Most places will let someone collect on your behalf. You don’t have to face this alone.
There’s also a text-based support line: text ‘SUPPORT’ to 80012. You’ll get a reply with a local volunteer’s number. They can come to your door if you’re too unwell, scared, or unsafe to leave home.
Longer-term help: What comes next?
Food banks are a safety net, not a long-term fix. If you’re stuck without money, there are people who can help you get back on your feet.
Bristol City Council’s Welfare Rights team can help you apply for Universal Credit, housing benefit, or emergency grants. You don’t need to be homeless to qualify. Even if you’re working but paid weekly and your next payday is a week away, you might get a crisis grant.
Visit the One Stop Shop at City Hall, or call 0117 922 2200. They’ll help you fill out forms, get your ID sorted, or even book a free appointment with a money advisor.
There are also free legal clinics for people struggling with benefit delays or debt. The Citizens Advice Bureau on Park Street offers walk-in help every day from 10am to 4pm. They’ve helped thousands get their benefits restarted after being wrongly denied.
You’re not broken. The system is.
Hunger isn’t a personal failure. It’s a sign that the system isn’t working for you. You didn’t do anything wrong. You’re not lazy. You’re not failing. You’re living in a world where wages haven’t kept up with rent, and benefits are too slow to catch up.
But right now, in Bristol, people are stepping up. Volunteers are packing bags. Chefs are cooking meals. Organisations are fighting to keep the doors open. You deserve to eat. And you can.
Go to the nearest food bank. Call the helpline. Text ‘FOOD’. Walk in. You don’t need permission. You don’t need to justify it. You just need to be hungry-and that’s enough.
Do I need a referral to get food from a food bank in Bristol?
No, you don’t need a referral. Most food banks in Bristol operate on a walk-in basis. You just need to show up during opening hours. Some places might ask for your name and how many people you’re feeding, but they won’t ask for proof of income, ID, or a letter from a social worker.
Can I get food if I’m working but can’t afford to eat?
Yes. Many people who use food banks have jobs. If your wages don’t cover rent, bills, and food after deductions, you’re eligible. Food banks help people on low pay, zero-hours contracts, or those waiting for their first Universal Credit payment.
What if I don’t have a phone or internet to find help?
Go to your local library. Libraries in Bristol have free Wi-Fi, computers, and staff who can help you look up food banks. You can also walk into any church, community centre, or council building and ask for help. Volunteers are trained to guide you.
Are food banks only for homeless people?
No. Many people using food banks have a roof over their head but can’t afford to eat. This includes single parents, students, people with disabilities, and those facing unexpected bills. Homelessness isn’t a requirement.
Can someone else collect food for me if I can’t go?
Yes. Most food banks allow someone else to collect on your behalf. Just call ahead or tell the volunteer when you arrive that you’re sending someone else. Give them your name and how many people you’re feeding. They’ll prepare the bag for them.
Do food banks give hot meals or just groceries?
Many do both. Food banks usually give you a bag of groceries for 3 days. But places like the Bristol Food Union and St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen serve hot, sit-down meals daily. Some food banks even have on-site kitchens where you can eat before you leave.
What if I need food for a baby or young child?
Food banks in Bristol provide baby food, formula, milk, and age-appropriate snacks. If you’re feeding a child under 5, let the volunteer know. They’ll make sure you get the right items. Some also offer free nappies and wipes.
How long can I keep using a food bank?
There’s no limit. You can use a food bank as often as you need. Some people use them weekly during hard months. Others only need help once. There’s no judgment. The goal is to make sure no one goes hungry.