Eat Well for Less
Local food support, free community meals and practical ideas to help make the weekly food budget go further.
Food costs can put pressure on any household. Start with urgent help if you need food today, or choose a section for affordable food, family support, recipes and waste-saving ideas.
I need food now
If you cannot afford food for yourself or your family, ask for help as soon as you can. Food-bank and emergency food-parcel support from Wakefield Council requires a referral.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Crofton Food Bank
Local food support is provided with dignity and confidentiality. The Food Bank page explains how to get in touch and what help may be available.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Get help from Crofton Food BankWakefield Council emergency food help
Use the council’s online form to request assistance and arrange a referral for food-bank or emergency food-parcel support.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Request emergency food help from Wakefield CouncilFood banks
Find local food-bank support and the council referral route. Availability depends on need and current supplies.
Crofton Food Bank
Practical support for local individuals and families facing financial pressure or food insecurity. Food parcels can include cupboard food, fresh produce and toiletries, depending on donations.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Read Crofton Food Bank informationWakefield food-bank referrals
Wakefield Council explains how to request emergency food assistance and where to find longer-term money support. Cash Wise is available on 01977 724651 for eligible households.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
View Wakefield food support and referral informationAffordable food
Local and practical ways to buy food for less. Check dates and offer terms before travelling.
Crofton Pop-Up Greengrocer
Pick up affordable fresh fruit and vegetables close to home at All Saints’ Church, Crofton. Everyone is welcome; bring a shopping bag.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Check Pop-Up Greengrocer detailsKids eat free or for less
Find restaurant and café offers for families, including school-holiday deals. Terms, participating venues and dates can change.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
See children’s food offersGrow your own food
Start with herbs on a windowsill, salad leaves in a pot or a few vegetables in the garden. The guide gives simple, low-cost steps.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Open the growing guideFree community meals
Food is included as part of these community or school-holiday activities. Confirm the next date with the organiser before travelling.
Messy Church, Crofton
Free crafts, activities, a Bible story and lunch for families at All Saints’ Church. Families are welcome to come along.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Check the next Messy Church dateKids Kitchen, Havercroft
Kids Kitchen at Solid Rock Church provides children with a free lunch alongside activities and holiday fun.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Ask about the next Kids KitchenHappy Healthy Holidays
Eligible school-age children can take part in free holiday activities that include healthy food. Other places may sometimes be available.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Find Happy Healthy Holidays activitiesKnow another local event that provides a free meal? Email croftonsignpost@gmail.com so it can be checked and added.
Healthy Start and school meals
Official help for pregnant people, young children and school-age children.
NHS Healthy Start
If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, you may qualify for help to buy healthy food and milk. People under 18 who are pregnant can qualify without receiving benefits.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Check Healthy Start eligibility and applyWakefield free school meals
Eligibility rules change from 1 September 2026 and annual checks will begin. Children in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 can receive an infant free school meal regardless of household income.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Check Wakefield free school meal eligibilityBudget recipes
Low-cost meal plans and recipes using everyday ingredients, useful swaps and leftovers.
Budget meal recipes
Simple, filling recipes with ideas for stretching meals, using leftovers and swapping ingredients you do not have.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Browse Crofton budget recipesThe Thrifty Kitchen challenge
Follow a realistic week-by-week shopping and cooking plan for a family of four, carrying food forward so less is wasted.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Start the Thrifty Kitchen challengeFood ‘Bytes’
Quick money-saving tips, ingredient swaps, a sample budget shop and simple meal-planning ideas.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Read Food ‘Bytes’BBC Food budget recipes
Search a large collection of budget-friendly recipes, including quick meals, family dishes and meat-free ideas.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Browse BBC budget recipesReducing food waste
Share surplus food, rescue unsold food and make better use of what is already in the kitchen.
OLIO
Use the app to give away or collect surplus food and other useful items shared nearby.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Find out how OLIO worksToo Good To Go
Buy discounted surprise bags of unsold food from participating shops, cafés and restaurants.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Find discounted food with Too Good To GoLove Food Hate Waste
Get practical advice about portion sizes, storage, date labels, freezing and using leftovers.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
Read food-waste adviceFood-waste tips from Food ‘Bytes’
Use quick local tips for planning meals, using ingredients you already have and avoiding forgotten food.
Last checked: 21 August 2026
See Crofton food-waste tipsPlease note: Crofton Signpost provides signposting to services and resources. It does not provide professional, financial, medical or nutritional advice.