South Ayrshire food banks

There are several foodbanks that individuals can choose from in the South Ayrshire district. They will help people in a crisis by providing three to seven days of food or a voucher for a local supermarket. Families with children can also seek assistance from the free school meal programme, which is for households on some type of government benefit or allowance. The main organisations to call in South Ayrshire are below.

When dropping in at or calling on a food bank, the applicant needs to have a referral from a professional, such as a social worker, nurse, or CAB centre. Other places for referrals include Criminal Justice Team, Housing Support Services, Addiction Services, or local hostels. Very few locations will allow self-referrals, however a resident can always call a centre for more information on the process.

The client will normally be given aid just one time, and the parcel may have fresh fruits or vegetables or tinned meats. In some cases there will be milk, tea, or even nappies for babies. Volunteers and people that live in South Ayrshire collect the items and assemble the parcel for the client.

Monkton and Prestwick North Parish Church provide assistance to the needy and vulnerable. They operate the Christ In Action Food Bank, which is in Prestwick and can be called at 1292 678810. The parcels from this church will have enough items for up to three days, and volunteers may also deliver the items to elderly or people with a physical disability.

Riverside Church and the Care and Share programme can be called at 292 262686. The centre is based in Ayr, and there may be meals, snacks, and a cup of tea, among other assistance. Volunteers will also signpost the client to other benefits for their needs, whether it is job placement or housing.

Many of the people that use Care and Share are homeless. Not only can they get a meal, but advice on charity schemes for rent may be provided, as well as information on shelters and employment. There is also clothing, blankets, and personal care items provided to them. So many services are provided at Riverside Church.

The Salvation Army has multiple locations in South Ayrshire, and they do have free food for families in a crisis. Many people that use the charity have had a reduction in benefits, and call on the Salvation Army for short term help. They can get everything from tinned meats to fresh fruits or canned items. The address of the centre is Ayr Community Church, 59 John Street, Ayr. Call the location at 07553 676 495.

The Trussell Trust has three foodbanks in South Ayrshire, but more are opening. For people with a referral and a voucher, they can make an appointment to drop in. If eligible, the client will bet three days of food for each person that lives in the home, and it can have rice, pudding, soup, and more.

• New Life Christian Fellowship Church, 62 Monkton Road, Prestwick KA9 2PA, call 01292 671038.
• Southside Christian Fellowship, 16d Beresford Terrace, Ayr, KA7 2EG. This food bank is open on Monday and Wednesday, and call them at 01292 880772.
• South Parish Church runs a food bank too at Henrietta Street, Girvan, KA26 9AL. The phone number is 07527131725.

Free school meals in South Ayrshire

This is available across the district, and is can provide food and meals. The household needs to be receiving some form of benefits or income support, and they also need to be on a low income. The income needs to be less than £15860, or they can be receiving the Income-based Jobseekers Allowance or Child Tax Credit.

There may be some other criteria to be eligible as well, and for the last information call 0300 123 0900. Families use these free school meals to free up their income for other needs and bills.