We know that many people in Mid Sussex are concerned about the cost of living crisis facing them and worry about getting food for themselves or their families.
The Mid Sussex Food Partnership have created this webpage to signpost you to places in our local community where you can turn to for support.
To find out more about the organisations listed below, simply click on the bold links to be redirected to their websites.
Please note that organisations have different access criteria:
Burgess Hill Pantry
Operates a membership scheme
Opening times: Tue 1.30-4pm, Wed 9.30-11.30am, Thu 10am-12.30pm & 1.30-4pm, Fri 9.30-11.30am, Sat 10am-12pm.
Located at: 25-29 The Martlets, Burgess Hill RH15 9NN
Tel. 0800 9871156
Facebook page
Burgess Hill Community Foodbank
Referral required
Open for collection & delivery: Tue and Thu 11am-1pm, Sat 10am-12pm.
Located at: 85 Church Walk, Burgess Hill RH15 9BQ
In association with Burgess Hill Foodbank:
Hassocks Community Foodbank:
Referral required
Collection only: Mon and Fri 10am – midday.
Located at: Powell House, 21 Keymer Road, Hassocks BN6 8AB
Facebook page
Hurstpierpoint Community Foodbank
Referral required
Deliveries only – Weds and Fri mornings.
Referrals should be gained from the usual agencies (please see our website).
Quarry Café and Community Fridge
No referral required
Opening times: Tue to Fri 10.30am-4pm.
Located at: Hollands Way, East Grinstead RH19 3EN
Tel. 07724 873336
Facebook page
East Grinstead Foodbank
Referral required
Opening times: Mon, Wed and Fri 1-3pm.
Located at: Jubilee Community Centre, Charlwoods Road, East Grinstead RH19 2HL
Tel. 07983 209940
For crisis help, tel. 07856 864251
Facebook Page
Haywards Heath Foodbank
Referral required
Food can be collected once the foodbank has received your referral on Tuesdays 11am-1pm and Thursdays 10-12am. They will still deliver to clients who are unable to collect.
If you cannot contact a referral agency directly, you can contact the food bank on 07884 106719.
Tel. 07884 106719
Facebook page
The Bentswood Hub Community Larder
Free access
Opening times: Sat – Thurs 9.30am-12pm, Friday 12.30pm-2pm. Emergency support outside those times call 07523060384 or email anna.sharkey@bentswoodhub.org.uk.
Located at: 38 America Lane, Haywards Heath RH16 3QB
The Ascension Food Larder
Free access
Opening times: Tuesday 9.30am -11.30am and Thursday Noon-1.00pm.
Located at: The Ascension Church, 110 Vale Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 4JS
Tel: 01444 415229
Email: enquires@ascensionchurch.co.uk
The Ascension Church has opened a Food Larder to try to help those who are most affected by the cost-of-living crisis. Food distributions are shared without any requirements for a referral to the Food Larder. Please just call in when the Larder is open during the times above.
Contributions of food and toiletries are gratefully received. If you would like to contribute, please leave your contribution in the boxes in the church foyer.
OLIO
An app that connects neighbours with each other and with local businesses so surplus food can be shared, not thrown away.
Too Good To Go
An app that let’s you access delicious, unsold food from businesses to save it from going to waste at a small charge.
Free School Meals
Check if your child can get free school meals and find out how to apply.
How to get free or cheap food
Read tips from the Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis.
Reduce food waste
Tips from West Sussex County Council.
Love Food Hate Waste
Ideas on how to reduce your food bills by using what you have in your cupboards and fridges.
Cooking on a bootstrap
Recipes for cheap and easy meal ideas and budget saving tips from Jack Monroe.
GOV.UK
See what cost of living support you could be eligible for on the Government website
Citizens Advice
If you don’t have enough to live on, you might be able to get help from the government or your local council to afford essentials like bills and food. This includes the Household Support Fund and Cost of Living Payments.
Use their budgeting tool to help you understand:
what you’re earning and spending and where you might be able to cut costs.
NHS Healthy Start vouchers If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.
Home Energy Support
West Sussex County Council support pages and links for residents.
Home Energy and Heating Support in Mid Sussex.
This page provides an overview of the home energy support schemes and services that Mid Sussex residents can access.
BanktheFood app
Another form of support, if you can, is by donating to your local food banks using a free app on your phone. The app allows you to see exactly what they need as you do your food shopping. BanktheFood will send you a helpful ‘ping’ when you are at your local supermarket with your food bank’s needs and then you can chose to buy these for their boxes.