Crofton Signpost

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. This page brings together help for when food is needed now, as well as recipes, growing advice and simple challenges that can reduce spending over time.

Need food now?

Crofton Food Bank supports people and families in Crofton and Walton who are struggling to afford food. You will be listened to without judgement and helped to find the right local support.

Email croftonfoodbank@gmail.com, or text Cash Wise on 07946 338 592. Wakefield Council can also arrange a referral for emergency food support.

Crofton Food Bank information Request food help from the council

Free meals and community food events

These events offer food as part of a friendly community activity. Please check the organiser’s page before travelling, as dates can change.

Messy Church, Crofton

Usually the fourth Saturday, 10am–12pm

Free crafts, activities, a Bible story and lunch for families at All Saints’ Church. There is no charge and families are welcome to simply turn up.

Check the next date

Kids Kitchen, Havercroft

Runs on selected school-holiday dates

Kids Kitchen is held at Solid Rock Church in Havercroft during the school holidays, providing children with a free lunch alongside activities and holiday fun.

Contact Maureen Cummings to find out when the next Kids Kitchen will take place.

Contact Maureen on Facebook

Happy Healthy Holidays

Wakefield school holidays

Eligible school-age children can take part in free holiday activities which include healthy food. A small number of other places may also be available.

Find and book activities

Know another local event that provides a free meal? Email croftonsignpost@gmail.com and we can add it to this page.

Crofton Pop-Up Greengrocer

Pick up affordable fresh fruit and vegetables close to home. The pop-up greengrocer is part of the Crofton Signpost’s work to make fresh food easier to access without paying supermarket prices.

Everyone is welcome. Bring a shopping bag and choose what your household will use.

See event details and updates
Saturday 22 August All Saints’ Church, Crofton Check What’s On for the confirmed time

Make the food budget go further

Choose the kind of help that suits you: a ready-made budget, inexpensive meals, growing your own, or finding a children’s meal offer.

The Thrifty Kitchen challenge

Follow a realistic week-by-week shopping and cooking plan for a family of four. It keeps track of food left from one week to the next so nothing is quietly wasted.

Try Thrifty Kitchen challenge Today!

Budget meal recipes

Simple, filling recipes using everyday ingredients, with ideas for stretching meals, using leftovers and swapping ingredients you do not have.

Browse budget recipes

Grow your own food

You do not need an allotment. Start with herbs on a windowsill, salad leaves in a pot or a few vegetables in the garden, with a week-by-week guide to help.

Open the growing guide

Kids eat free or for less

Find local and national restaurant and café offers for families, including school-holiday deals. Terms and dates change, so check each offer before setting off.

See children’s food offers

Useful food and money-saving links

Official support and practical services that can help with food costs or prevent good food from going to waste.