Community Food Provision
Sheffield is home to a unique mosaic of food provision that ranges from food banks to community pantries and social eating spaces. You can find out all about different options and where to access food on this page.
Food For the City
All of the city’s food organisations, projects and spaces play an important role in building local-level resilience to food insecurity.
Food insecurity can be a crisis situation where access to emergency, free food is needed. However, it might also look like worrying about having enough to eat or having trouble meeting dietary or cultural food preferences. Food insecurity can affect anyone, and it is not a sign of any personal failings.
Even for those who are not experiencing food insecurity, Sheffield’s food initiatives can provide vitally important opportunities for social connection, improved well-being, or simply the chance to support your wider community.
Latest News & Events
McDonald’s Tries Again: Drive-Thru Plans Resubmitted for Lowfield
Despite withdrawing their original application earlier this year, McDonald’s has once again submitted plans for a drive-thru restaurant on land north-west of London Road…
What the Government’s New National Food Strategy Could Mean for Sheffield
In July 2025, the UK Government launched a major update to its National Food Strategy, setting out a long-term vision for a healthier, more…
Future of ShefFood: Review July 2025
The ShefFood Steering Group has recently commissioned an independent report to explore the future governance, structure, and long-term sustainability of ShefFood. This vital piece…
A Fresh Food Map for Sheffield
You might know where to buy your beans, but do you know where to share them? Sheffield has just taken a big step forward…
Solidarity in Every Shopping Bag
What if your weekly shop could do more than just feed your family? What if it helped create a fairer, greener, and more connected…
Community Food Provision Meeting – July 2025
Ever wondered what alternative types of food provision look like? Keen to learn about culturally appropriate food provision? Interested in expanding your food provision…
Community Food Provision Map
Search for different types of community-provided food by type, area or organisation name. Use the map or scroll to see a full list. Use the filter in the bottom right-hand corner of the map to see different organisation types. Use the buttons on the left-hand side of the map to search for specific locations or addresses.
Search for Location
Organisation Type
50 Plus Ladies
Organisation Type: Social Eating Space
Free use of gym and sauna with a free hot lunch and drinks provided afterwards
Address: Aspiring Communities Together, Firvale Centre, Earl Marshal Rd, Sheffield S4 8LB
Phone No: 0114 2434340
Website: https://actsheffield.com/contact-us/
Opening Times: Friday 10-11am
Attendance Cost: Free
Referral Needed: First come first serve. Contact Jaqueline to book: [email protected]
Ammi’s Kitchen
Organisation Type: Social Eating Space
Their Community Lunch provides a hot vegan meal. It is open to anyone.
Address: Common Ground Community Centre, Machon Bank, Nether Edge, Sheffield S7 1GR
Phone No: 07857295669
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://ammiskitchensheffield.org/
Opening Times: Every other Friday 12-2pm (closed in school holidays)
Attendance Cost: Free but donations welcome
Referral Needed: No
Additional Info: Halal as the food is vegan
Arbourthorne Community Fridge
Organisation Type: Community Fridge
The Community Fridge provides free fresh food, frozen food and non perishable items to the Arbourthorne community and the families of Arbourthorne Community Primary School
Address: Arbourthorne Community Primary School, Eastern Ave, Sheffield S2 2GQ
Phone No: 7871263108
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfridgemap.org.uk/profile/arbourthorne-community-primary-school-an-even-better-arbourthorne-WvUwFY7xNnAWBa8Ft2B5
Opening Times: Tuesdays and Fridays
Attendance Cost: Free
Referral Needed: Yes: Book by phone on 07871263108
Resources
Welcome to our comprehensive Resource Section, which is tailored to offer valuable advice and resources on food and health for people in various roles and settings. Discover tailored information that empowers everyone, everywhere, to make informed choices about nutrition and well-being.
Access Food
More Ways to Access Food
Leaflets, posters and apps related to community meals, food sharing apps and other food provision available in Sheffield
Community Food Provision in Sheffield Leaflet
Information on providing food for people in Sheffield both for people in crisis and those wanting to access reduced cost or pay as you can food support
Community Meals in Sheffield Leaflet
Where to eat a free or low-cost community meal – Last Updated June 2025
Community Meals and Food Provision in Darnal & Handsworth Leaflet
A poster showing food provision available in Darnall and Handsworth
Olio
Olio is an app where people give away food and other items for free. It is free to use but you have to arrange your own collections.
Too Good to Go
Too Good to Go is an app where you can pay a reduced price for leftover food from local supermarkets, restaurants and cafes. It is free to use but you must arrange your own collections.
Food Provision and Access Explained
General Information and resources on food ladders, community food provision, food banks and more.
- Food Ladders Explained – Sustainable Food Places
- Food Banks Explained: More Than a Handout – ShefFood
Communtiy Kitchens
Access Kitchen Space in Sheffield
Need a kitchen space for your volunteer or community-led organisation?
Different Types of Food Provision
Success in Sheffield So Far…
While our goal is about moving forward, it’s also important to celebrate the fantastic work that has been achieved so far for food provision in our city.
- Sheffield City Council passed the Food Access Plan in July 2022, which included investment for a food community development role at Voluntary Action Sheffield to provide advice and support in community food spaces.
- Food Works is collaborating with over 25 partner hubs to distribute frozen-ready meals across the city.
- The Food Ladders Report (2022) mapped food provision in Sheffield and outlined recommendations to build and develop current projects. In addition, a comprehensive, interactive map of food providers in the city is now available through Voluntary Action Sheffield.
- The Food Ladders Network responded quickly to Covid-19 and the cost-of-living crisis. Successful collective food stores, organised through Sheffield City Council via S6 Foodbank, ensured supplies for community food organisations during winter 2023/24.
- The Food Ladders Network, comprising community food organisations, meets regularly for support and to share resources.
Join Our Working Group
Our Community Food Provision working group brings together people and organisations who believe:
- Everyone in the city, particularly those in crisis, should be able to access culturally appropriate and nutritious food in their local community;
- Organisations should feel empowered to combine food provision with social connection and other crucial support, such as debt and housing advice, ultimately eradicating poverty in the city.
If you’d like to get involved or learn more, please come to one of our working group events or get in contact with the team using the form below.
Next Event
Community Food Provision Meeting – July 2025
Ever wondered what alternative types of food provision look like? Keen to learn about culturally appropriate food provision? Interested in