Food and essentials

Food Banks

If you can't afford the food, toiletries or household essentials you need, you can get help from a food bank.

Lots of local groups, charities and organisations run food banks in the different areas of Staffordshire.

Find your nearest foodbank on our Staffordshire Connects Directory pages.

You can also find local food banks listed on the Trussell Trust website.

Free School Uniforms

If your family needs school uniform, you can get free, good quality school clothes at a pre-loved uniform market in Stafford and Cannock. Staffordshire Libraries work in partnership with The Salvation Army to offer the uniforms for free.

Pre-loved school uniform market dates and contact information.

Period products

Food banks often stock period products for those who need them.

Free period products are also available in some supermarkets, bars and restaurants. Look out for signs displayed in the building, often in the toilets.

Morrisons have a scheme for anyone to get some free period products – simply ask for ‘Sandy’ at customer services and you’ll get a discreet bag of items.

Many schools offer free pads and tampons through the government’s period product scheme. If your child’s school or college doesn’t already use this service, share the link with them to register.

There are several charities that help with period products:

Period poverty charity.

Free Periods charity.

Free school meals

If you're on a low income and receive certain benefits, your child can get free school meals.

School meals are a good way to make sure your child eats well at lunchtime and can save you time and money.

Apply for free school meals.

Free Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)

If you claim certain benefits and your child gets free school meals, they can attend activities in the christmas, easter and summer holidays and get a meal, all for free.

The Holiday Activities and Food scheme is funded by the Department for Education. We've teamed up with local organisations to offer a wide range of activities where children can try new things, make new friends, work on arts and crafts, cook and play sport, as well as getting a meal.

Find out about free holiday activities.