Public health news: Food Support in South Tyneside

Public health news: December 2024

Hospitality & Hope have three community shops in South Shields. 

Key to Life Community Bus is a mobile food service where everyone is welcome on board regardless of circumstances. Goods are sourced to sell at the lowest possible cost to shoppers - they accept payment by cash, card or by bank transfer.

The upper deck of their bus welcomes people to chat, access advice, or take part in organised activities. There's also a mini-library ('book swap') and an awning for some outdoor seating on fine days. The bus operates on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, calling at locations across South Tyneside - view the current timetable and bus stop addresses and locations on Google Maps.

Foodbanks and emergency food support

South Tyneside Food Bank supports people who are living in food insecurity. Based in Horsley Hill, they are open for collections from 10am until 12 noon Monday to Friday (excl. Wed).  You can make a referral to Hospitality & Hope foodbank through this website and fill in the short form. A colleague will respond to your request directly via email as soon as possible.

Key to Life Food Bank works in partnership with South Tyneside Churches Together to provide emergency food and support to anyone in the borough experiencing hardship. Key to Life is open 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and is based at Boldon Lane Library with drop-off points around South Shields.

Website: Key to Life Foodbank

Hebburn Helps provides emergency food for those in crisis. They are a voluntary community organisation that was set up to help local families who are finding it hard and are struggling to make ends meet. Hebburn Helps provide food parcels, adults clothing, kids clothing, baby equipment, toys, household items and more. You can access Hebburn Helps via Coleridge Square (NE31 1QD) off Wordsworth Avenue. They are open Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm. 

Website: Hebburn Helps

Bede's Helping Hands - A volunteer run food bank based in the former Primrose Library in the Scotch Estate, Jarrow. Call: 0191 816 3021