There is lots of food support available in Medway. Find out more about:
Food support for children and families
Free school meals
All children attending school in reception, year 1 and year 2 are entitled to a school meal free of charge.
If you have children under 19 years old and still in full time education, they may be entitled to a free school meal if you receive certain benefits.
Find out more about free school meals.
Healthy Start voucher scheme
Healthy Start is an important scheme to improve the health of low-income pregnant women and children under the age of 4 years.
It offers a voucher of £4.25 per week to spend on selected groceries.
You can also get access to vitamins which are recommended for children under 5 and during pregnancy.
Find out if you're eligible or apply online on the NHS website.
Call the helpline on 03456 076 823 for guidance and support when applying for the Healthy Start voucher scheme.
For more information about the Healthy Start scheme, visit the First Steps Nutrition Trust website.
MedwayGo
MedwayGo is a holiday activity programme in Medway. Children can attend to enjoy activities and a healthy lunch.
MedwayGo is open to all children in Medway. It's also free for children who receive benefit-related free school meals.
You can book activities on the MedwayGo website for the Easter, Summer, and Winter periods.
Email go@medway.gov.uk or visit the MedwayGo website for more information.
Academy of Woodlands School Food Pantry and Community Kitchen
The Academy of Woodlands Food Pantry offers low cost groceries and practical advice for making healthy meals on a budget.
Members can pick 10 to 20 items of quality, seasonal food each week. Recipe cards are also provided to help you create simple dishes.
The Community Kitchen is led by a trained chef. They'll provide cookery sessions for pupils, parents and the wider community.
The focus is on budget‑friendly cooking, batch cooking, and essential skills for healthier eating.
To find out more or become a member, email kcp@children-families.org.
More support for children and families
For more support for children and families, visit our children and family hubs page.
Emergency food support
Crisis and Resilience Fund
The Crisis and Resilience Fund provides a safety net for people on low incomes when they face unexpected money problems.
Find out more about the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Food banks
You can use our food bank timetable to help you find local soup kitchens and food banks.
Food support partners
You can use our online directory to find food support partners in Medway.
Make food go further
Everyone deserves to eat well. Small changes in how we plan, cook, and store food can help reduce food waste and save money.
Reducing food waste
Check what you have in the house before shopping. Write simple meal plans to avoid buying things you already have.
Keep fruit, vegetables, and leftovers in airtight containers. You can also freeze food you won't use before they go off.
Cook from scratch
Choose quick, low-cost recipes that use a few basic ingredients. This might include:
- soups
- stir fries
- pasta dishes.
You can also make larger portions and freeze extra meals ahead of time. This will help you to avoid buying convenience food when you're in a rush.
Sustainable and local food
Small changes to our food habits can make a big difference.
You can find practical tips to reduce food waste, save money, and get involved in local food projects on our website.