Not having enough food is more common than most people think, and asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of. This page explains where to get emergency food in and around Louth, how to get a referral if you need one, and what other help with food costs is available.
If you can, ring before you go. Opening times and rules change, and a short call can save you a wasted trip.
Louth Community Larder
Louth's food bank. It was started by Louth and District Churches Together in 2013, runs from the Trinity Centre and is an independent food bank. It gives out food parcels to people who have been referred.
- Where: Trinity Centre, Eastgate, Louth, LN11 8DJ
- When: Monday to Friday, 9am to 10am
- Referral: yes, see How to get a referral
- Contact: 01507 605803 or trinity@teamparishoflouth.org.uk
- Delivery: not offered
- More information: Louth Community Larder on Facebook, and the Louth Churches Together page
The Larder is short of stock because demand has risen. It takes non-perishable food and hygiene products, dropped off at the Trinity Centre Monday to Friday, 9am to 12 noon.
Lighthouse at Louth Methodist Church
A drop-in at Louth Methodist Church where, in its own words, "all are welcome to find food, friendship, and help in time of need". Food parcels are available at both sessions, and the team can point you to other help.
- Where: Louth Methodist Church, Nichol Hill, Louth, LN11 9NQ
- When: Wednesdays, 9.30am to 12.30pm, and Fridays, 10am to 1pm. Food parcels are given out from 10am to 12 noon on both days. Closed in August.
- Also on offer: drinks and refreshments, games and crafts, and on Fridays usually a hot lunch
- Contact: 07437 433154 or lighthousecommunityhub@gmail.com
- More information: Lighthouse on the church website
The church page doesn't say whether you need a referral for a parcel, so ask when you get in touch.
ECHO
ECHO is a community volunteer group in Louth. It collects and shares food and other help with people who are "left out in the cold", either literally or because of today's economic reality.
- Where: North Halt, Keddington Road, Louth, LN11 0AA
- Contact: 07931 520416, or ECHO on Facebook
Ask when you get in touch about what is on offer and when.
How to Get a Referral
Most food banks ask for a referral, which means someone else who knows your situation confirms you need help. It is usually quick, and it isn't a judgement.
- Citizens Advice Lincoln & Lindsey has an office at Meridian House, 41 Eastgate, Louth, LN11 9NH. Ring the freephone adviceline on 0808 278 7904, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. The Louth office is open for pre-booked appointments only, on Mondays and Wednesdays, with no drop-in. The Mablethorpe office (Inter Agency Centre, Stanley Avenue, LN12 1DP) has a drop-in on Tuesdays, 9am to 4pm. See their website.
- The Community Larder says you can get a referral form from Louth Job Centre, Citizens Advice, Louth Town Council, or from a social worker, social prescriber, community connector or support worker. Louth Town Council's office is open 10am to 1pm on 01507 355895.
- Your GP surgery, a housing association or a social worker can often refer you too, according to Citizens Advice.
A parcel is usually enough food for around three days, and some food banks limit how often you can come back. Ask the Larder what applies to you.
A Low-Cost Hot Meal
The Salvation Army on Church Street, Louth (LN11 9BS) serves a hot lunch at 12 noon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. It costs £3.50 for one course or £5 for two, and you book in advance on 01507 354366. Its Courtyard Café is open Tuesday to Thursday, 9.30am to 12 noon. See the Louth page on the Salvation Army website.
Money to Buy Food and Essentials
East Lindsey District Council runs the Crisis and Resilience Fund for households hit by a sudden money problem, such as a short-term loss of income, an accident or health emergency that leads to extra spending, or the loss of essential items. A crisis payment can help with food, utilities or other essentials.
- Who can apply: people aged 18 or over who live in East Lindsey, with a household income under £36,000 and savings under £6,000. You will need to show proof of your circumstances and finances.
- How: apply online through the council's Crisis Support page. A friend, family member or support worker can apply for you.
- If you can't apply online: ring East Lindsey Customer Contact on 01507 601111.
It is meant for occasional or short-term needs, and awards are decided by the council. The council's Cost of Living Support page lists other help with energy, housing and debt.
Help for Families with Children
- Free school meals: children in low-income households may be entitled. Apply through Lincolnshire County Council or ring 01522 782030.
- Holiday Activities and Food (HAF): free holiday clubs with a healthy meal for children who get benefits-related free school meals. Clubs are booked through the Lincolnshire County Council HAF page, which has the dates for each holiday. Questions: HAF@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
- Healthy Start: if you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 and get certain benefits (or have a low household income), you can get a prepaid card to help buy milk, fruit and vegetables. Apply on the Healthy Start website or ring 0300 330 7010, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Food Banks in Nearby Towns
If you live outside Louth, you may be closer to another food bank or larder, with its own hours and referral rules. The Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership keeps a list of every food bank and low-cost food provider in East Lindsey, including Alford, Horncastle, Mablethorpe, Skegness, Spilsby, Sutton on Sea, Woodhall Spa and Wragby, with each one's opening times and contact details. See Food Banks and Affordable Food on the Partnership's website.
More Help
If money worries are getting on top of you, you don't have to cope alone. See Need help now? if you need to talk to someone today, or Somewhere to talk for local groups.
Details checked 28th October 2026.