Help with Food and Essentials
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets has set up a number of food stores to support people who cannot afford enough food to feed themselves or their families
The LBTH's food stores are places that residents can go to pick up £25-£35 worth of food in exchange for a £3.50 membership fee. At the same time, you will be supported in other areas that you might need help with such as housing, benefits access and employment. To find out more or to become a member email thefoodstore@towerhamlets.gov.uk with your name, address, postcode, date of birth and contact number.
What Other Food Banks Exist?
If you are struggling to get food for yourself or your family there are a number of food aid organisations in Tower Hamlets that can help.
Underwood Road Foodbank – (Open Access)
Opening times: Thursday and Friday, 9am – 3pm
St Anne’s Catholic Church, E1 5AW. Contact: 020 7247 7833 or email underwoodroad@rcdow.org.uk from Tuesday to Friday (9am – 3pm)
Ensign Youth Club – (Open Access)
Opening times: Friday 10am – 1pm
Wellclose Square, E1 8HY. Contact: info@ensign.org.uk
Hague Primary School
Opening times: Monday – Friday 8.40am – 3.40pm
Hague primary school, E2 0BP and E1 5RE. For more information please ask at the school office.
Stewart Headlam Primary School
Opening times: Monday – Friday 8.40am – 3.40pm
Tapp st, London, E1 5RE. For more information please ask at the school office.
Wellington Primary School – Food bank (limited access/by referral only)
School food provision (Pupils and families only)
Opening times: Tuesday 2 – 3pm
Wellington Way, Bow, E3 4NE. Contact: admin@wellington.towerhamlets.sch.uk
St Elizabeth Pop Up Kitchen – School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: 3.40 – 5pm
St Elizabeth Primary School, entrance on Waterloo Gardens, E2 9JY. For more information please visit St Elizabeth School website / Caritas Twitter page.
Bygrove School - School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: Monday – Friday (Term Time Only)
Bygrove street, E14 6DN. For more information please visit the Bygrove School website.
Langdon Park School - School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm
Bright street, London, E14 0RZ. For more information please ask at the school office.
Dorset Community Food Hub – (Open Access – Hot meals service)
Opening times: Thursday
Ground floor, former Dorset library, E2 8QX. For more information please visit the Dorset Community website.
Olga Primary School Foodbank - School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: Friday 3.20 – 3.45pm
Olga Primary School, E3 5DN. Contact: 020 8981 7127
Edward Gibbons House – (Hostel)
Opening times: 24 hours
1 Parmiter St, E2 9NG. For more information please visit Providence Row website.
Globe Primary School – (Open Access)
Opening times: Friday 12 – 3.15pm
Globe Primary School, E2 0JH. For more information please visit Globe Primary School website.
Food for Aldgate – (Limited access/by referral only)
Opening times: Friday 1 – 3pm
Tonybee Hall, 28 Commercial Street, London, E1 6AB. Contact: Paul.wilson@eastendhomes.net or Twitter @FoodForAldgate.
Womens Inclusive Team – (Limited access/by referral only)
Opening times: Appointment provided after referral
Mayfield House 202 Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9LJ. Contact: 07415 372 664 or email shakilaa@wit.org.uk.
William Davis Food Bank – School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: Friday 2 – 3pm
William Davis School, E2 6ET. Contact: 020 7739 1511.
Bow Food Bank – (Open Access)
Opening times: Monday 8am – 12.30pm
Bromley by Bow Centre, St Leonard’s Street, E3 3BT. For more information please visit the Bow Food Bank website.
Bethnal Green Foodbank – (Open Access)
Opening times: Wednesday 2 – 7pm
Raines Foundations School, Approach road, E2 9LY. For more information please visit Bow Food Bank website.
Bow Muslim Cultural Centre – (Open Access)
Opening times: Friday 11am – 3pm
246 Bow Road London, E3 3AP. Contact: info@bowcentralmosque.co.uk
SACC Food Bank – (Limited access/by referral only)
Opening times: Thursday and Friday 10am – 3pm
St Anne’s Catholic Church, E1 5AW. Contact: braziliancp@rcdow.org.uk or 020 7247 7833. Referrals can be discussed by email or contact number.
Other Household Essentials Support
There may be ways you can reduce the cost of other bills, such as your Broadband and TV.
It is estimated that around 15 million people are out of contract with their broadband, meaning they are needlessly paying over the odds for this service. Have a look on a price-comparison website to see what you could save.
Some broadband providers offer discounted rates (social tariffs) to customers on a low income. Ofcom have compiled a list of providers who offer discounted rates and their eligibility requirements.
How can Gateway help?
If you need further information regarding the above, have difficulty paying bills and at risk of a financial crisis, or need any advice and support with money matters, please contact Suad Hersi, Financial Inclusion Coordinator on 0203 148 1763 or email Suad.Hersi@gatewayhousing.org.uk.