Food and other household costs - Cost of living
We are continuing to provide £15 per week supermarket vouchers during the school holidays for children who receive means tested free school meals. Food vouchers are provided to eligible families directly through their child’s school.
This West Sussex County Council scheme, funded through the government’s Household Support Fund, has been running in each school holiday since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Community Hub
The Community Hub may be able to support those in urgent need of help with fuel or food costs, with no alternative option available, via the Household Support Fund.
Trussel Trust Food Banks
If you are in crisis and in urgent need of food you can be referred to your local food bank, who will provide you with an emergency food parcel. Additional support will be offered through signposting or a financial advisor who will talk to you about the problems you’re facing and provide support to help you manage your money, navigate the benefits system and identify any other grants you might be entitled to.
NHS Healthy Start
If you are receiving benefits and are currently pregnant, or have children under the age of four, you could qualify for Healthy Start. You could also qualify if you are pregnant and under the age of 18.
Holiday Activities and Food programme
The Holiday Activities and Food programme takes place during Christmas, Easter and Summer. Free places are available for school children aged 4 to 16 who receive benefits-related free school meals. The programme for the main school holidays is fully funded by the Department for Education and children and young people can enjoy activities and a meal.
District and borough councils
For information on housing advice, such as council tax relief, visit your local district or borough council website for more information.
UKHarvest Community Food Hub
UKHarvest Community Food Hub is an award-winning project that helps people with the rising cost of their weekly shop. Access affordable good quality food and find support on a range of social issues. Available to all across every district and borough in the county.
West Sussex Libraries
West Sussex Libraries offer free two-hour slots on public computers, which can be used for accessing online housing services.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels delivers a wide choice of nutritious meals and desserts directly to your door, 365 days a year. Meals are delivered between 11.00am and 2.00pm and can be ordered as a one-off, temporarily or an ongoing basis. The service can also provide specialist Kosher, Asian, Halal, and West Indian food, and pureed, minced and moist, and soft and bitesize food for people following special diets.
TV Licence
Discounts are available to help with the cost of your TV Licence if you are over 75, registered blind, or you live in an eligible residential care home, supported housing, or sheltered accommodation.
Phone and broadband
Being in touch is a necessity. If you are in receipt of government benefits, you may be eligible to save money on your monthly broadband and mobile bills by accessing cheaper deals called social tariffs. Check the Ofcom website to see if you can switch to a social tariff.
Food waste
Tips for cutting down on food waste and how to get advice on how to get the most and best value from the food you buy.