I think the food thing she's referred to is one run at the local children's centre. It's one of those where you don't need a referral, and you pay a few pounds and get a few days worth of food. Anyone can go along, they don't ask any questions.
There's also another one even closer to her run by one of the local churches that is a multibank. They do free food bags, and they also offer clothing and household items. Again, no referral needed and no questions asked, and they don't ask for any money in return.