Food aid in Birmingham: where to get help this winter

As energy bills rise and the colder months approach, food banks and community food projects in Birmingham are preparing for a busy winter. Here is what the most recent count shows, and where people can get help.

The city-wide count

Birmingham's most recent City-Wide Food Aid Count, carried out over two weeks from 24 March to 6 April 2025, found that 22,367 visits were made to food banks and other food projects, feeding at least 30,240 people.

That was a sharp increase on the previous count in March 2023, when 13,604 people visited a food bank or food project, feeding at least 19,013 people. Two thirds of the groups taking part said the number of people using their project had definitely increased since 2023.

Why people need food aid

Food banks say the most common reasons people need help include low incomes, delays or changes to benefits, debt, ill health, and rising living costs. Many people who use food banks are in work but do not earn enough to cover their bills.

This year, the war involving Iran has pushed up the cost of energy and fuel, and the energy price cap rose by 4 per cent on 1 October. Charities warn that families on low incomes may face difficult choices between heating and eating this winter.

Where to get help

Birmingham City Council lists food banks and community food projects across the city on its website. Some food banks require a referral from an agency such as Citizens Advice, a GP, a school or the council, while other food projects, such as community pantries and community fridges, can be used without one.

Other support

• Check whether you are entitled to benefits you are not claiming, using a free online benefits calculator.
• Families on Universal Credit can now get free school meals for all of their children, after the scheme was expanded in September.
• Pensioners should check whether they are entitled to Pension Credit.
• Households struggling with energy bills should contact their supplier, and may be entitled to the Warm Home Discount.
• Free, confidential debt advice is available from Citizens Advice, StepChange and National Debtline.

How to help

Food banks always need donations of long-life food, such as tins, pasta, rice, cereal and UHT milk, as well as toiletries, nappies and sanitary products. Many supermarkets have collection points. Food banks also need volunteers to sort donations, drive vans and support visitors.

Some people prefer to donate money, which allows food banks to buy what they need most and to support other services, such as advice sessions.

Community pantries

Community pantries, sometimes called social supermarkets, let members pay a small weekly amount in exchange for a selection of food worth much more. They aim to give people more choice and dignity, and many also offer advice and support.

A city coming together

Faith groups, schools, charities and volunteers across Birmingham run food projects, from hot meal clubs to breakfast clubs. The council's food strategy aims to make sure everyone in the city can access nutritious and affordable food.

Warm spaces

During the colder months, libraries, community centres and faith groups across Birmingham often open as warm spaces, where people can spend time in the warm, have a hot drink and meet others without having to spend money. Details are usually published by the council and local organisations as winter approaches.