Food and essentials
Food Banks
If you can't afford the food, toiletries or household essentials you need, you can get help from a food bank.
Lots of local groups, charities and organisations run food banks in the different areas of Staffordshire.
Find your nearest foodbank on our Staffordshire Connects Directory pages.
You can also find local food banks listed on the Trussell Trust website.
Free School Uniforms
If your family needs school uniform, you can get free, good quality school clothes at a pre-loved uniform market in Stafford and Cannock. Staffordshire Libraries work in partnership with The Salvation Army to offer the uniforms for free.
Pre-loved school uniform market dates and contact information.
Period products
Period products
Free period products are available at several locations around Staffordshire.
Period Support Scheme
Staffordshire County Council have launched a scheme to provide free period products to those who need them.
The five community libraries chosen for this trial are Stafford, Cannock, Burton, Newcastle and Kidsgrove.
Products have also been donated to The Voice Project in Stafford to support young people, children in care and care leavers.
Who can access free period products?
Everyone can access the free period products. Whether you need them for yourself or for someone else, you are welcome to take what you need at any of our collection points.
Look out for the Period Support Scheme displays in libraries like the one shown below.
What types of products are available?
You can access a range of disposable pads and tampons. Brands and styles available may vary.
Each library will have posters signposting you to where you can find free period products. They are also available in the toilets.
Can I donate to the scheme?
Anyone can donate tampons and pads to the donation boxes – the more donations the better! All you have to do is go to your local participating library and put your donation in the box.
Just one packet of period products could have a huge impact on someone’s life.
When donating, please be aware that we only accept new and unopened products.
If you would like to find out more or get involved, please contact: periodsupportscheme@staffordshire.gov.uk.
Other places to find products
Food banks often stock period products for those who need them.
Morrisons have a scheme for anyone to get some free period products – simply ask for ‘Sandy’ at the customer service desk and you’ll get a discreet bag of items.
Storefinder - Morrisons
Many schools offer free pads and tampons through the governments period product scheme. If your child’s school or college doesn’t already use this service, share the link with them to register.
There are several charities that help with period products:
Period Power | Facebook
Free school meals
If you're on a low income and receive certain benefits, your child can get free school meals.
School meals are a good way to make sure your child eats well at lunchtime and can save you time and money.
Apply for free school meals.
Free Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)
If you claim certain benefits and your child gets free school meals, they can attend activities in the Christmas, easter and summer holidays and get a meal, all for free.
The Holiday Activities and Food scheme is funded by the Department for Education. We've teamed up with local organisations to offer a wide range of activities where children can try new things, make new friends, work on arts and crafts, cook and play sport, as well as getting a meal.
Find out about free holiday activities.
Eating well on a budget
Find meal inspiration and healthy, budget-friendly recipes on the Staffordshire Connects pages.
Go to the eating on a budget page.
Travel costs
Visit your local bus operator website for more information about the cap in your area. Further information on the cap and participating operators
Cheap and free days out
Explore free and affordable events in your local area including fun, family activities at your local library.
Find free and affordable things to do near you with this interactive map
Help for households
Information about support from government including the mortgage charter.