Recommended food items
Luton Smiles: help us get Xmas meals & toys for kids
Reverse Advent Calendar: donating that's fun for kids
Winter tips
Getting through Winter
Top tips for saving money and energy during the colder months.
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Energy-saving tip
Turn down your thermostat
- Set your main thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature — ideally between 18°C and 21°C.
- Dropping it by just one degree can lead to significant savings.
Energy-saving tip
Heat the person, not the room
- Use hot water bottles, electric blankets (which are very economical to run).
- Wear warm layers of clothing.
This is far cheaper than turning on your central heating across the whole house.
Energy-saving tip
Use the right kitchen appliances
- Opt for microwave or slow cooker, as they are more energy-efficient than a standard oven.
- When boiling water, only fill the kettle with the amount you actually need.
Energy-saving tip
Don't leave appliances on standby
- Turn off appliances (like TV, monitors, and chargers) at the wall socket instead of leaving them on standby.
- This ensures they don’t draw power you don’t need.
Energy-saving tip
Wash smart. Wash low!
- Wash clothes at 30° or lower.
- Avoid running the washing machine with half-loads, to save on electricity and water.
Energy-saving tip
Close everything
- Trap in heat, by drawing curtains and blinds as soon as it gets dark.
- Keep internal doors closed, to hold the heat in the rooms you are using.
- ENSURE adequate ventilation if burning gas or solid fuel.
Energy-saving tip
Block the draughts
- Use cushions, rolled-up blankets, or towels to block cold air coming in from under doors, letterboxes, or small gaps.
- DIY draught-proofing is a cost-effective way to save heat.
Energy-saving tip
Bleed your radiators
- If the top of your radiator is cold, it may have trapped air in it.
- Bleeding it will make your heating system run more efficiently, using less energy.
Top tip
Don't put it off!
- If you are struggling to pay energy bills, call your supplier now.
- They are obligated by Ofgem (which is the energy regulator) to offer help, such as debt-repayment plans or emergency credit.
Money-saving tip
Warm Homes Discount
- Eligible low-income households can get a £150 discount on their electricity bill between October and March.
- Most eligible pensioners/low-income households receive this automatically.
Money-saving tip
Cold Weather Payment
- If you are on certain benefits, you could get £25 for each 7-day period when the local temperature is forecast to be 0°C or below.
- This is paid automatically.
Money-saving tip
Vouchers and grants
- Ask Citizens Advice or Luton Foodbank about accessing fuel vouchers or grants from the Luton Council’s Household Support Fund to help with essential winter costs.
Top tip
Power cuts
- In a power cut, do not call your supplier.
- Call 105 to connect directly to your local electricity network operator, who handles the physical power lines and power-cut compensation.
Top tip
Explore debt grants
- Independent trusts (like the British Gas Energy Trust) offer grants to clear energy debt.
- Often, you do not need to be a customer of that specific company to apply.
Safety tip
Check your alarms!
- Check your Carbon Monoxide alarm:
- Ensure you have an audible Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm, and that it is tested and working.
- This is vital if you use gas or solid fuel appliances, as carbon monoxide is invisible, odourless, and deadly.
Luton Foodbank Shopping List
Your support can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. By donating essential supplies, you help provide nourishment and comfort to individuals and families facing difficult times. Together, we can create a stronger, more caring community.
| Rice pudding (Tinned) | Instant Noodles | Meat (Tinned) |
| Custard (Tinned) | Vegetables (Tinned) | Fruit (Tinned) |
| Fruit Juice (Carton) | Dried Rice (500g) | Soup |
| Milk (UHT) | Baked Beans (Tinned) | Tomatoes (Tinned) |
| Fish (Tinned) | Tinned Pasta in Sauce | Sauce for Pasta |
| Breakfast Cereal | Tea Bags | Biscuits (single packs) |
| Sugar (500g) | Pasta (500g) |
How can we help you?
Donate Online
Every contribution brings us one step closer to eliminating the need for food assistance in Luton – and none of our work would be possible without your support.
SSL Secured Donation
Combating Hunger
Luton Foodbank is a charitable organisation dedicated to tackling hunger and food insecurity within the local community. Established to provide short-term emergency food to individuals and families in crisis, the food bank aims to ensure that no one in the Luton area goes hungry.
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I went there on last Thursday, I paid attention and I signed up to voluntary work.
Do a great job
Helpful friendly staff
Wonderful
Food bank has been very supportive to people that like myself that have mental health that have a learning disability but also have always been there. They are excellent and they need more people to donate food. Yeah even if it means sending it they are desperate for food
Gostaria de saber a hora e os dias que estão disponíveis
Recent Updates
Luton Foodbank Newsletter – November 2025
The Critical Need: National Push, Local Reality,
Luton's Deprivation Crisis,
Staying Warm & Healthy,
Inspire FM Winter Appeal,
Luton Foodbank Newsletter – October 2025
New Team Members,
Inspire FM Winter Appeal,
Harvest Heroes,
Future Leaders,
Luton Foodbank Newsletter – September 2025
Retirement
Open Day
Harvest Assemblies
Winter Appeal
Luton Foodbank Newsletter – August 2025
HAF Project: Holiday Hunger
Luton Foodbank Schools Calendar
Harvest Campaign
Pakistan and Kashmir Cultural Event
Luton Foodbank Newsletter – July 2025
Announced: Colour Run 2025.
Primary Schools Colour Run.
New project: Food Club.
New Project: Fresh fruit & veg.
Luton Foodbank Newsletter – June 2025
Announced: Colour Run 2025.
Primary Schools Colour Run.
New project: Food Club.
New Project: Fresh fruit & veg.
