Newcastle food banks: Help available for families facing cost of living struggles this Christmas

For many of us, Christmas Day can be a day of overindulgence with Christmas dinner, Christmas pudding and the array of chocolate selections that stuff more than just the stocking. But for others, especially during a cost of living crisis, even a staple food item like bread is becoming a luxury commodity for some in Newcastle.

A number of these food banks are now operating on an appointment only basis, due to the sheer number of people in tough positions when it comes to simple day-to-day nourishment.

How can I support food banks this Christmas?

Each food bank has its own website thanks to the Trussell Trust with Newcastle's being found through the Newcastle West End Foodbank website.

The group has a series of ways to support their important work with members of the public able to donate money, donate food or volunteer.

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Donations can be made directly through the food bank's website and anyone looking to volunteer can contact the group through the information on the website.

The group has deals with a selection of shops across the city where the public can offer food to support the foodbank.

The food donation points are:

Benwell foodbank centre, Benwell Lane (weekdays 6:30am - 4pm)

Tesco Extra, Kingston Park (6am - midnight)

Tesco Extra, North Shields (6am - midnight)

Waitrose, Ponteland and Jesmond (8am - 8pm)

Sainsbury’s, Throckley, Chapel House and Denton Burn (8am - 9pm)

ASDA Superstore, Gosforth, Byker, Benwell, Wallsend (6am - midnight)

Morrisons Great Park, Killingworth, Cowgate and West Denton (7am - 10pm)

An fully updated list of what the food bank is in need of can be found on the food bank's website.

How can I use a food bank?

Anyone wanting to use a foodbank needs to be referred.

Food banks are able to put people in touch with a relevant local agency where, depending on the situation the person is on, a foodbank voucher may be issued.

A person can only use a food bank with this voucher.

Where are other food banks near Newcastle?

In addition to the Newcastle West End food bank, Trussell Trust food banks are in place in Gateshead, Walker, South Shields, Sunderland, County Durham and Cramlington.