Food banks and community hot meal services are key resources for anyone facing destitution. These organisations try their best to make sure that communities do not go hungry and are supported during their moments of vulnerability.
We recognise the value of such organisations and sit as a member of Food Poverty Action Aberdeen (FPAA), where we and other members try to work to eradicate food poverty in the city.
Each food bank will differ in the services it provides and in how you access them. Although most will primarily offer you non-perishable canned goods, they may also offer fresh produce like fruit and vegetables. Some food banks require referrals from partner agencies, whilst others allow individuals to self-refer.
You may also find that some food banks offer additional services, such as toiletries. If you need something and are unsure whether they can provide it, ask; however, most food banks are operating under immense pressure and are unlikely to provide everything you require.
See below for organisations that may be able to help you with food & essentials.
Aberdeen Citadel is a Christian group dedicated to meeting the needs of the Aberdeen Community.
They run a community hub on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 to 13:30, with soup and snacks available. Although donations are not required, the group suggests a minimum donation of 50p per person.
The community hub is based at 28 Castle Street.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Aberdeen North Foodbank provides emergency three-day food parcels to individuals in need across the area; you must first obtain a voucher from a referral agency.
When you visit a foodbank centre, you will be welcomed by volunteers who prepare a parcel tailored to any dietary requirements, offer a warm drink, and provide practical guidance on other local services. In exceptional circumstances, a delivery service is available within Aberdeen city on Wednesdays.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Aberdeen North Parish Church hosts a Chat’n’Snack session where individuals can enjoy snacks and hot drinks, play games and make friends.
Sessions are every Wednesday, 10:00 – 14:00, hosted at James Tyrrell Centre on Greenfern Road.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Aberdeen North Paris Church hosts the Coffee Pot Community Cafe, where individuals can enjoy pastries, snacks, and hot drinks on a pay-what-you-can basis.
The cafe is open on Fridays from 11:00 to 14:00 at the James Tyrrell Centre on Greenfern Road.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Aberdeen South Foodbank provides emergency three-day food parcels to individuals in need across the area; you must first obtain a voucher from a referral agency.
When you visit a foodbank centre, you will be welcomed by volunteers who prepare a parcel tailored to any dietary requirements, offer a warm drink, and provide practical guidance on other local services. In exceptional circumstances, a delivery service is available within Aberdeen city on Wednesdays.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Aberdeen Street Friends is an outreach group based in Aberdeen that provides drinks and food to anyone in need around the city centre. Their usual operating hours are 10:00 to 12:00.
They do not have a specific base from which they operate.
You can reach them in the following ways:
This service is currently suspended due to demand.
Amina MWRC provides financial advocacy to support women experiencing financial crises, helping them access essential services, understand their rights, and apply for benefits or grants.
For those who meet the criteria, this service also facilitates consideration for the Amina Hardship Fund. This discretionary fund provides essentials such as food, warm clothing, and emergency accommodation. Eligibility for the fund is assessed through the financial advocacy process.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Bethany Christian Trust provides a warm and welcoming space at 10 Urquhart Road for all to enjoy lunch, the company of others and assistance for external agencies like the NHS and Alcohol Drug Action
The Toastie Club is held every Wednesday from 11:30
You can reach them in the following ways:
Storehouse Community Pantries provide emergency food, toiletries, clothing, and essential household items to hundreds of people in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire; no referral is needed.
Through a network of fixed and mobile locations, the service aims to support those in need with warmth and discretion, at various times throughout the week across the region.
You can reach them in the following ways
CFINE improves health and well-being and the environment, tackles poverty, and builds resilience through a range of support and services for and with disadvantaged, vulnerable, and low-income individuals, families, and communities in North East Scotland.
If you are running low on food and essential items due to financial constraints or other pressures, you can visit the food bank, open every weekday from 10:00-15:00 at 2-4 Poynernook Road, AB11 5RW. See the CFine Emergency Food Page for more details
You can reach them in the following ways:
Community Outreach Group provides support to homeless and vulnerable people in the City of Aberdeen. They are based at 56 King Street
They provide meals and essentials to homeless and vulnerable people in Aberdeen on Wednesday and Sunday evenings.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Crown Terrace Baptist Church hosts a Pop-up Café offering hot drinks and home-baked goods free of charge.
Sessions are held every Tuesday and Friday from 11:00 to 14:00 in the Church Vestibule at 1 Crown Terrace.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Food Poverty Action Aberdeen publishes a guide to support services available in Aberdeen for emergency and hot food, financial and advice services, mental health and wellbeing, housing and homelessness, and support for families with children.
This includes an interactive map which plots available support services. This resource is hosted by CFINE.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Instant Neighbour is a local Aberdeen charity that provides emergency food parcels to people in need. When you request help, they will carry out a brief, informal assessment of your situation and provide a food parcel containing 2-3 days of emergency provisions.
Advisers are often available on-site to offer practical assistance and can refer you to other agencies for further support.
You can reach them in the following ways:
This guide provides practical information to help newcomers and students settle in Aberdeen, covering general culture, public etiquette, study culture, local dialect, and essential services.
It includes key information on school enrolment, energy support, voter registration, accommodation, opening bank accounts, transport, food banks, job searching, and accessing other vital services, such as GP registration and a National Insurance number.
You can reach Mamacita Foundation in the following ways:
This leaflet is for people who have moved to live in Aberdeen. It provides a step-by-step guide to finding practical advice and support when money worries strike.
The leaflet is structured in three steps: first, it helps you identify what might be worrying you; second, it lists different options you might have; and third, it provides direct contact details for organisations that can help. Migration Policy Scotland produced this resource; you can reach them using their online contact form.
The National Entitlement Card (NEC) is Scotland’s free smartcard that provides access to a range of public services. Depending on your age or circumstances, the card can function as a bus pass, library card, Young Scot card, and more.
You may be eligible if you live in Scotland. Concessionary travel is available for young people, those aged 60 and over, and disabled people.
You can apply online for a new card or a replacement, or check which services you can access.
Aberdeen FC’s Community Trust hosts a Community Hub which offers free hot meals, activities, Wi-Fi, and access to local organisations.
Sessions are held every Thursday from 12:30 to 15:30 at the Richard Donald Stand on Pittodrie Street.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Social Bite in Aberdeen provides free emergency food services from its location at 516 Union Street
They offer a breakfast service every weekday morning from 8:00 am to 9:30 am and an afternoon ‘Scran Takeaway’ from Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 4:15 pm to 5:00 pm, with a hot sit-in or takeaway meal available on Thursday afternoons from 4:15 pm to 5:45 pm.
You can access the service in the following ways:
Somebody Cares Foodbank provides weekly, nutrient-rich food parcels, individually prepared for each client’s tastes and dietary requirements, helping alleviate financial burdens and improve mental health by ensuring access to essentials such as children’s breakfasts and an OAP’s ability to pay utility bills.
The service also delivers daily food trays to local hostels, provides breakfasts and snacks to schools for vulnerable children, and distributes care packages to key workers. Access to a food parcel is by self-referral for anyone in need.
You can reach them in the following ways:
St James Episcopal Church hosts a Soup and Chat session where everyone, regardless of their faith, is welcome to enjoy homemade soup, something sweet and hot drinks.
Sessions are held every Saturday between 12:00 and 14:00 at their church, 1-3 Holburn Street.
Touch of Love focuses on providing comprehensive support to the most deprived families, minority ethnic children, young persons and mothers.
Their holistic approach encompasses food bank services, the Young Achievers’ Club, and holistic support programs, all designed to counteract social exclusion, disadvantage, and the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, fostering resilience, independence, and well-being.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Touch of Love provides a warm and welcoming space at the Tullos Community Centre for individuals and families to enjoy a hot breakfast and the company of others.
Community breakfasts are held every Thursday between 10:00 and 12:00, with regular offerings of bacon/sausage rolls and hot drinks.
You can reach them in the following ways:
This fund provides confidential, short-term financial assistance to individuals aged 16+ in Scotland who have been affected by crime, available to victims and witnesses, regardless of whether the crime has been reported to the police. The fund can help with costs, including temporary accommodation, essential food and clothing, basic living expenses, security, and travel related to safety or court attendance.
To apply, a Victim Support Scotland service can refer you, or you can also apply directly via their online form.
You can reach them in the following ways: