Food

Some families are eligible for food vouchers funded by the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund.  Our connect4communities team manage the scheme on the Island. More information about the food vouchers and who is eligible is on the connect4communities website. 

Join the community pantry scheme supported by Isle of Wight Council and enjoy a wide range of food to keep your kitchens stocked up.

You need to become a member to take part. Joining a community pantry is not means tested and you do not need to be on benefits to go to the pantry. 
For £5 a week, members receive over £15 worth of fresh, frozen, tinned and dry food.  You don’t have to use the pantry every week.

East Cowes Community Pantry
Community Spirited, Vectis Road, East Cowes, PO32 6HN
01983 296592

Open:
Tuesday, 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30am to 12:30pm

Ventnor Community Pantry
Baby Box, Victoria Street, Ventnor, PO38 1EJ
07961 959003
Open:
Tuesday 3pm to 6pm
Saturday 11am to 2pm

Ryde Community Pantry
Oakfield CE Primary School, Appley Road, Ryde, PO33 1NE
01983 5637
Open:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
3.00pm to 4.30pm

Newport Community Pantry
The Pyle Street Pantry, Newport Congregational Church, 98 Pyle Street, PO30 1UH
07300329610
pylestpantry@gmail.com 
Open:
Wednesday 11am to 1pm

If you can’t get to these places, please talk to the pantry about whether delivery service is available.

If you are struggling to access healthy food, these organisations may be able to help:

Living Well and Early Help, Isle of Wight work with organisations across the Island. They can help with food, energy, debt and housing advice. They also run community groups, coffee mornings and other activities. You can call them: 01983 240732 or email reception@lweh.org.uk. 

Action 4 Support, West Wight run programmes that include making and delivering boxes of food to local families. You usually need to be referred by a family liaison officer, head teacher, GP, Community Connector or health visitor. You can email them: info@wwtb.org. 

Ventnor Foodbank is an independent Community Foodbank at Ventnor Baptist Church PO38 1SX. It is run by volunteers. No voucher or referral is needed. It is open on Tuesday and Thursday between 10am and 12pm. Call 07862 247694 for more information. 

Free Food Sandown have a free food shelf for any person who has financial difficulty. It applies to all ages, singles and families. Email for more information: pattilou@hotmail.com. 

Tidal Family Support, Ryde provides food parcels and toiletries to individuals and families who are in need, but not necessarily accessing additional provision or support. It’s a walk in, self-referral service and there is no need for vouchers. You do not need to be on benefits. Call for more info: 01983 639793

connect4communities, Isle of Wight is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions Household Support Fund. It aims to support those most in need with significantly rising living costs, particularly families with children and pensioners who would otherwise struggle with energy, food and water bills. Call for more info: 01983 821000

Chale Parish Council can provide food, household and personal hygiene goods to families and individuals within the parish.
Tel: 01983 294606

Pan Together, Newport can issue e-vouchers for the foodbank and can - in certain circumstances - offer crisis supermarket vouchers to households in Pan, Pan Meadows and Barton who are in particular hardship.

There is a 'help yourself' trolley outside at the front of the cafe during its opening hours (Tuesday to Friday, 9 am to 3 pm) providing surplus, just-in-date food to local residents on a first come, first served basis.

Their community cafe provides freshly prepared, wholesome food at affordable prices whilst also acting a social hub for Pan and providing signposting and support. Teas and coffees are £1 a mug, a slice of cake £1.50 and a full English breakfast costs £7.50. There's a special on Thursday lunchtimes.
Tel: 01983 248170

There is more information about the Isle of Wight Foodbank on this website. 

Find out what offers are available from businesses to help with the cost of living via the government Help for Households website. 

Get simple hacks, tips and guidance to make the most of your food at home on the Love Food Hate Waste website. 

Meal plans, recipes and budget food ideas are on the BBC website. 

Use the BankTheFood app to find out what food our local foodbank actually needs.