We know that Christmas can put an extra strain on finances and sometimes additional help is needed to help budgets stretch to the New Year. There are a number of local food banks and support services available to help – we have included a few of these below and more can be found via our website and at www.westminster.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support/food-support-services .
Please note that it might be useful to check the specific opening hours and procedures of each service by calling up ahead of time. You may also need a referral from another organisation to access a food bank
Key Food Banks
Christmas & New Year opening
Closed on Christmas Day (25 Dec) and New Year’s Day (1 Jan). Check for specific closures around these dates.
Contact Information & Notes
Buckingham Gate, SW1E 6BS. You must be referred by a support agency see westminsterchapel.org.uk/foodbank/
Christmas & New Year opening
Last day open before Christmas Tuesday 23rd December. Re-opens Monday 5th January.
Contact Information & Notes
57 Goldney Rd, W9 2AR. Phone: 07932 623 443. You must be referred by a partner agency, see www.npfoodbank.org.uk/if-you-need-help/#partners
Christmas & New Year opening
The Centre will close at 1:45 pm on 24/12/25. The Centre will reopen on the 2nd January 2026
Contact Information & Notes
34 Great Smith St, SW1P 3BU. Call on 020 7222 0303 or email pantry@theabbbeycentre.org.uk . The Abbey Centre offers a food pantry service for a £5 weekly subscription.
Emmanuel Community Drop-in
Christmas & New Year opening
Closed from December 25th to January 1st.
Contact Information & Notes
Emmanuel Parish Church, 389E Harrow Road, W9 3NA. Offers a drop-in service on Wednesdays (when open).
Pimlico Angels Warm Meals
Christmas & New Year opening
Unfortunately we have no information about Pimlico Angel’s Christmas & New Year Opening.
Contact Information & Notes
Grosvenor Hall, Vincent Street, SW1P 4HL. Offers warm meals on Tuesdays (when open). See also Pimlico Angel’s Facebook Group.
Important Information
Referrals are typically required
Most Trussell Trust food banks (including Westminster Foodbank) operate on a voucher system. You need a referral from a local agency like Citizens Advice Westminster or the Westminster City Council’s Family Information Hub to access food parcels.
Westminster City Council Support
Westminster council coordinate with various charities to provide support and information. You can find more information about food support services on the Westminster City Council website or contact their Wellbeing Hub for help
Urgent Help
If you need urgent assistance, the council’s website provides contacts for help, including the option to apply for a Local Support Payment (LSP) which can provide supermarket vouchers in a crisis.
Other options
Services like Age UK Westminster also run special programmes (e.g., Christmas meal deliveries for the elderly), so check with them if applicable to your situation.