Advice and support on hand for those struggling to pay bills and buy food this summer
Families struggling to buy food and pay bills this summer are being urged to seek help and support.
The call to action from Shropshire Council’s children’s and public health teams comes from concerns raised by schools and other organisations of children and families presenting themselves as hungry and not being able to buy food.
Image of family. Credit: Yan Krukau, Pexels images
Food support
If you, or someone you know, is concerned about food costs and whether you can afford food there are some places to go for help, including to check that you’re claiming all the financial help that you’re entitled to.
- Food and milk through the Healthy Start Scheme
- Free school meals
- Find a foodbank
- Shropshire Larder
- Groceries discounts and offers
- Food Sharing tables in Shrewsbury when and where
- What you can make with the food you have
- Family £1 recipe meal plan
- Simple hacks, tips, and guidance to save food and money
- Low energy cooking recipes and tips
- Recipes for small kitchens
- Guide to cooking with a kettle
- Cooking on a Bootstrap, just £1 or 50p a day and Good to Know
Welfare support
The council’s Welfare Support Team may be able to help some families with their essential living costs, including food and energy. If you know anyone who is struggling, encourage them to make an application by calling 0345 678 9078 and selecting option 2 during office hours (Monday to Friday 08:45am to 5pm). For food outside of these hours, and in an emergency situation only, contact Shropshire Council’s Emergency Duty Team on 0345 678 9044.
Cost of living website
Those who can access help online will find a host of advice and support on our cost of living webpages.
The dedicated website has been set up with the support of the voluntary and community sector and provides advice information on a whole range of topics including
- Money
- Energy costs and advice
- Food
- Information and support for those who care for others
- Help getting work
- Mental health and wellbeing
- What benefits/financial support you could claim from your council
In addition to the above support, there is a handy 16 point cost of living checklist that can help you focus on the things that can help reduce costs and increase your income as well as supporting your mental health.
Shropshire HAF Summer programme
Shropshire’s HAF programme offers free holiday activities and food for eligible children and young people
There are still spaces available at holiday clubs across the county on the Shropshire Council-managed summer Shropshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Activities include sports, arts, cooking, forest schools and other exciting opportunities, and free nutritious meals will be provided at each session, as well as information to benefit the whole family.
Councillor Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Cabinet Member for children’s services and education said:
“We know that many families across Shropshire continue to be affected by the cost the living crises and encourage those who are struggling, to seek help and advice.
“Holidays should never mean hunger and no child or family should have to go without the most basic human need. So, I urge anyone who is finding it difficult to buy food or struggling with their bills to get help immediately.
“There is a wide range of advice, information, and support in Shropshire. We hope that what we’re highlighting will encourage those who are struggling, to access the help and support they need.”
Other useful resources
www.worryingaboutmoney.co.uk/shropshire
www.moneyhelper.org.uk
