How to access food and essentials

If you are vulnerable and unable to get out or do not have help from family or friends, you should consider shopping online. If you do need to go to the shops, try to do so at quieter times and maintain strict social distancing. You are advised to ask people in your household or support bubble to collect food and medicines for you.

If this is not an option for you then there are various schemes that can help.

NHS Volunteer Responders

If you need help with accessing food or medicines, NHS Volunteer Responders are available to assist you. Call 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week).

Order supermarket shopping by telephone

Vulnerable or housebound residents can also order shopping via telephone with Sainsbury’s or Morrisons for next day delivery.

  • To place an order with Sainsbury’s, call 0800 9178 557 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
  • To place an order with Morrisons, call 0345 611 6111 Sunday to Tuesday 9am to 5pm, Wednesday to Saturday 9am to 5.30pm and select option five. Morrisons customers can choose from a list of 47 essential items

Crisis Assistance for food and fuel

Crisis Assistance provides support by way of supermarket vouchers that can be used for groceries and fuel vouchers for pre-payment meters, for people in greatest need.

More information on Crisis Assistance

Citizens Advice Wandsworth

Citizens Advice are working on behalf of Wandsworth Council to provide support to residents in need, including if you are in financial hardship. They offer hardship grants on behalf of other local funders and food vouchers.

Wandsworth Foodbank

Wandsworth Foodbank provide emergency food, support and advice to people across the borough and can give advice on hardship grants for those in the greatest need. You need a food voucher from a referral agency, such as Citizens Advice, to get provisions from the Foodbank.

Voluntary organisations who can help with food, shopping or other essentials

There are also many local voluntary sector organisations who can help with food, shopping or other essentials.

These community groups are offering a range of services in relating to emergency food supplies, including delivery. For more information on the support available from the voluntary groups above visit Wandsworth Care Alliance.

If you need emergency support call this number: 0208 871 6555 (Wandsworth Council Community Hub).

Up to Access to food and essentials

Updated: 17/03/2022