Help with Food

and the Cost of Living

Offering Hope and Sharing God’s Love

As a church, we are very aware that many people are struggling at the moment with the cost of living crisis. We hope this information and the links will be helpful.

Friday Fridge

Every Friday evening, join us in the church building 8-10pm for a warm welcome, bacon rolls and cheese toasties, hot drinks, and a hot meal once a month. No cost and everyone is welcome.

Reception open 10-12

Every weekday morning (Monday-Friday), 10am-12noon, you are welcome to come in to our reception for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat with our friendly volunteers.

Hot Meals across the city

At different locations across Portsmouth you can find a hot meal on most days of the week - follow this link for all the times and locations. As well as Friday Fridge at St Jude’s, on Sunday evenings you can get a hot meal at Sunday Suppers at our mission partner church St Simon’s on Waverley Road from 5.30pm.

Food Banks, Pantries and Larders

Food Banks can provide you with emergency food for up to 3 days if you are stuck - follow this link for all the times and locations across the city. The nearest Food Bank to St Jude’s is the King’s Food Bank in Somers Road, which is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 11am-1pm. You can get referred, or self-refer by going to the food bank during opening hours (St Jude’s don’t provide vouchers any more, you just go straight there).

Our sister church, St Margaret’s, has a Food Pantry which PO4 residents can join and then get at least £15 of groceries for only £4.50. For more details and to join, follow this link. There are other pantries and larders across the city - follow this link for details.

Help from Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council has a Cost of Living hub here with information about help which is available and advice on coping with the cost of living crisis. This includes a page about help with food and bills here.

OLIO Food Waste App

OLIO connects neighbours with each other and with local businesses so surplus food can be shared, not thrown away. You can arrange to collect food nearing its sell-by date from local stores, spare home-grown vegetables, bread from your baker, or give away the groceries in your fridge when you go away. For your convenience, OLIO can also be used for non-food household items, too.

To find out more, download the free app to your smartphone using Google Play or Apple Store.

Help if you’re Sleeping Rough

The Portsmouth Rough Sleeping Hub is open 7 days a week from 8am-4pm. Anyone sleeping rough, or at risk of becoming homeless, can access practical support. You can book an appointment in person, or by telephone.