Shelves of tins, jars and dried food sorted into blue crates at the Swanage Community Pantry

Community food projectsGood food at little or no cost

Swanage has several community food projects. Some help people get good food affordably, some offer good food that shops would otherwise throw away, and several do both. Whether you need emergency help or just want to cut your food bills, there's something here for you.

DayTimeWhat and where
Monday9.00–10.30amPop-up larder at St Marks School Hall families
Monday10am–12pmCommunity Pantry at Herston Village Hall
Monday12–2pmFood bank at the United Reformed Church
Wednesday9.30–10.30amPop-up larder outside the Focus Centre open to all
Wednesday12–2pmFood bank at the United Reformed Church
Thursday10am–12pmCook & Connect at the United Reformed Church term time
Friday12–2pmFood bank at the United Reformed Church

Who can help

Food For Thought Purbeck pop-up larders

Low-cost surplus supermarket food, supplied through FareShare, the UK's longest-running food redistribution network. The larders support over 100 households a week across two Swanage locations.

Monday larder for families

  • WhereSt Marks School Hall, High Street, Swanage BH19 2PH
  • WhenMondays, 9.00–10.30am

Wednesday larder open to all

  • WhereOutside the Focus Centre, 107 High Street (Chapel Lane), Swanage BH19 2NB
  • WhenWednesdays, 9.30–10.30am

Register at the larder with proof of address. Membership costs a small weekly contribution.

Swanage Food Bank

Emergency food parcels for people in need. It's a one-off or occasional supply for households going through a difficult time.

For more frequent or ongoing help you'll need a referral from Citizens Advice, a social worker, a mental health worker, the Focus Centre, your GP or a church minister.

  • WhereUnited Reformed Church, High Street, Swanage BH19 2NY
  • WhenMondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 12–2pm
  • PhoneSelf-refer on 07759 230313

Swanage Community Pantry

The Pantry collects good food that supermarkets and other food businesses would otherwise throw away, and makes it available to the community. Donations are always welcome.

Cook & Connect

Free, friendly cooking sessions run by The Friendly Food Club, perfect for beginners and improvers. Learn new skills, try cheap and simple dishes, and meet others. Everything is provided, and a £3 donation towards ingredients is welcome.

With thanks to Talbot Village Trust and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Have we missed something?

If you run or know of another food project in Swanage, please tell us and we'll add it.

Email Sustainable SwanageRead our guide to cutting waste