Free Meal Support
NOURISHING PEOPLE WITH GOOD FOOD, CARE AND DIGNITY
Every week, we prepare freshly cooked, nourishing meals to people across Bristol who are finding it difficult to access or prepare good food. Whether someone is recovering from illness, living with a long-term health condition, experiencing food insecurity, or simply doesn't have access to a safe kitchen, we're here to help. Last year, we prepared almost 10,000 meals for people across the city.
For many people, these meals provide much more than food. They offer consistency, comfort and connection. Whether it's a friendly conversation at collection, the reassurance of knowing a meal is waiting, or simply feeling seen and cared for, these small moments can have a lasting impact.
Who is this service for?
Our meal support is for people facing barriers to accessing or preparing healthy food.
This might include people who are:
Experiencing food insecurity or financial hardship
Recovering from illness or injury
Living with a physical health condition that makes cooking difficult
Experiencing poor mental health or low wellbeing
Living without access to a safe or reliable kitchen
Feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges and struggling to shop or cook
Receiving support from one of our partner organisations
Everyone's situation is different. If you're unsure whether someone would benefit, we'd always encourage you to get in touch. You can refer yourself or someone else here.
NEED SUPPORT?
If you or someone you support would benefit from our free meal service, please reach out.
We welcome self-referrals, as well as referrals from support workers, social prescribers, GPs, housing workers, community organisations and other professionals.
Please note that demand for this service is often high, and there may be a waiting list. We review referrals regularly and will always do our best to support people as quickly as we can.
If you're unsure whether the service is the right fit, please get in touch. We're always happy to have a conversation.
Every meal we prepare is made possible by people who believe everyone deserves access to good food, regardless of their circumstances.
Running our free meal service costs more than £30,000 every year, and unlike many essential services, there is no guaranteed funding to keep it going. Every year, we need to raise the money needed to continue providing fresh, nutritious meals free of charge for the people who rely on them.
This year, we're incredibly grateful for the support of the King Charles III Coronation Food Project and Bristol City Council's Crisis & Resilience Fund, managed by Feeding Bristol. Their investment, alongside the generosity of everyone who donates, fundraises or chooses to support Coexist, helps ensure this service can continue reaching people across Bristol.
To all of our funders, supporters and volunteers—thank you. This work simply wouldn't happen without you.
Want to help keep this service running?
Every donation, fundraiser and act of support helps us keep good food on the table for people who need it most.
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS
Want to help keep this service running?
Every donation, fundraiser and act of support helps us keep good food on the table for people who need it most.