Food Support in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury
Many families are feeling the pressure of rising living costs, and knowing where to find affordable food support can make a real difference. At Aspire Foundation, we want to make it as easy as possible for families to find help when they need it.
Across Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and the North Cotswolds, there are food banks, community pantries and local projects offering low cost or free food. These services are welcoming, supportive and open to anyone who needs them.
Find Food Support Near You
The easiest way to find food support is through the Feeding Gloucestershire Food map. This interactive map shows every food bank, food pantry, community fridge and meal provider across the county.
Families can also search nationally for their nearest Trussell Trust food bank using the Find a Food Bank tool.
Understanding the Different Types of Support
What is a food bank
A food bank provides emergency food parcels for people who are experiencing crisis. Families are usually referred by a professional such as a school, health visitor or support worker. Food banks offer short term help when someone is struggling to afford food.
What is a food pantry
A food pantry is a low cost community shop where families can choose their own food for a small weekly membership fee. Pantries help people stretch their budget and manage rising costs. They are open to anyone who would benefit from affordable groceries and do not usually require a referral.
Both food banks and food pantries offer friendly, non judgemental support.
Local Food Support
Below is a simple list of the main food banks and food pantries in Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and the North Cotswolds. Families can use this list or the county map to find the support that suits them best.
Cheltenham
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Emergency food parcels for families in crisis.
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CCP Community Pantry Cheltenham
Low cost food through a small weekly membership.
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Affordable groceries and household essentials in a friendly community setting.
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A welcoming pantry offering low cost food for local families.
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A community pantry providing affordable food and essentials.
Tewkesbury
- Tewkesbury Foodbank
Emergency food parcels for individuals and families.
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Northway Food Pantry at Northway Community Hub
Affordable food and essentials in a supportive community space.
- Priors Park Food Pantry
North Cotswolds (including Bishop’s Cleeve)
Emergency food support for families across the North Cotswolds, including Bishop’s Cleeve.Support During the Holidays
Families who are eligible for Free School Meals can access HAF activities during the school holidays. These sessions run at different points throughout the year and include fun activities and a nutritious meal for children.
You can find the upcoming sessions on the Virtual Family Hub: HAF Activities Gloucestershire
Aspire Foundation is Here to Help
If you are working with a family who may benefit from food support, or if you are a parent or carer who needs help yourself, please use the resources above to find local support. If you are unsure where to start, the Aspire Foundation team is always happy to help signpost families to the right place.
About Aspire Foundation
Aspire Foundation is a Gloucestershire charity providing children and family centres (Family Hubs), family support services, and early years settings across the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury localities. We help families thrive through practical support, community activities, and services that promote children’s development and wellbeing.