Food Banks & Community Support in Fareham: How to Get Help

Where can I get emergency food in Fareham?

If you are struggling to afford food, help is available locally, and asking for it is nothing to be embarrassed about. Fareham Borough Council's cost of living help page says that if you are struggling to afford food and essentials, or need help paying energy bills, you should contact Citizens Advice first, on 01329 237121 or through their online portal. This guide sets out the food bank, the community pantries and the advice services the council lists. Details change, so phone before you travel.

How does Fareham Foodbank work?

Fareham Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust network and is based at Waypoint Church, 255 Hunts Pond Road, Titchfield Common, Fareham, PO14 4PG. Its website says it works on a voucher referral system, and that when you visit, "You will be welcomed by volunteers to discuss your needs and prepare your food parcel." The phone number listed is 07857 811 962.

The council's local support page describes the food bank as providing free food parcels for those in need, to support those in crisis, open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to 12 noon. It says to contact Citizens Advice on 01329 237121 for a referral. If you are not sure how to get a referral, phone Citizens Advice or the foodbank on the number above and ask.

The same council page lists the Fareham and Gosport Basics Bank, which offers short-term practical support to anyone in a crisis or emergency who cannot afford food. It asks you to be referred through Citizens Advice, on 01329 822204.

What are the community pantries in Fareham?

A community pantry works differently from a food bank. You register, pay a small recommended donation each visit and receive a bag of food. The council's community pantries page lists four.

Hampshire Food Revolution is at Fareham North West Community Centre, Henry Cort Drive, Fareham, PO15 6TL. It charges £6 for goods worth £20 to £25, and you can reach it at hampshirefoodrevolution@gmail.com.

Waypoint Hub is at 255 Hunts Pond Road, Titchfield Common, PO14 4PG. It charges £5 for goods worth a minimum of £25 and opens Tuesday and Wednesday, 9am to 12 noon. Contact is 07857 811962 or hub@waypointchurch.org.uk.

Woodsy's Pantry is at Portchester Hub, 2 New Parade, 38 West Street, Portchester, PO16 9UY. It charges £5 for goods worth £15 to £20 and opens Monday and Wednesday, 10am to 12pm, and the council lists a lunch club on those days at Portchester Methodist Church, 12 noon to 1:30pm. Contact is 02392 210048 or admin@portchesterca.org.uk.

Fareham Pantry is at Unit 28, Fareham Shopping Centre, PO16 0PQ. It charges £6 for goods worth approximately £15 and opens Monday and Friday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. The council lists a Facebook page as the contact, so check there for current times.

The council page adds that families receiving free school meals can access any of the pantries, and that others should contact their child's school for support options. Each pantry has its own registration rules and opening days, so contact the one you plan to use before you visit.

How can Citizens Advice Fareham help?

Citizens Advice Fareham is on the 1st Floor, County Library Building, Osborn Road, Fareham, PO16 7EN. Its national Citizens Advice listing gives the phone number as 01329 237121, available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 4pm, and says drop-ins are on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 2:30pm only. If you would like to pre-book an appointment, contact them to see if that is possible. The council says Citizens Advice supports people with cost of living issues, debt, benefits, employment, housing including rent arrears, fuel vouchers and grants.

The council's local support page also lists Connect4Communities, which supports people most in need with rising living costs (connect4communities@hants.gov.uk), Money Wellness (free debt advice, 0161 518 8285), the Breathing Space scheme, which can pause enforcement action and freeze charges, interest and fees on qualifying debts, and Hitting the Cold Spots (0800 804 8601), which gives home visits with advice on energy efficiency and heating support.

What other help is there with bills and keeping warm?

The council's cost of living page also has a section on its Crisis and Resilience Fund. Ask Citizens Advice what is available and who can apply, because support schemes have set start and end dates.

The council's Warm Welcome Spaces page says certain local services and community groups across the borough are setting up spaces where people struggling with energy bills can keep warm for free, and links to a page where you can find the ones in your area. For other council help, see our council tax guide.