Get emergency foodA terrifying new normal
Last year, more than 3.1 million emergency food parcels were distributed by Trussell’s community of food banks – another record year, and a 94% increase over the past five years.
This winter, food banks are seeing levels of need continue at this terrifying new normal, with no improvement forecast.
Right now, we need your help to make sure food banks can be there for people through this winter and beyond.
You can donate using the link below. To make a donation over £10,000 or, if you would like to discuss how your support can make a difference, please get in touch: philanthropy@trussell.org.uk. We are so grateful for your support.
A lifeline
Food banks are a last resort for people who’ve been left isolated, facing hunger, and without enough money to live on. While we know that food banks are not the solution to the issue of hunger and poverty in the UK, they are a lifeline, offering a warm welcome and space to be heard.
A conversation over a cup of tea offered by many food banks is often the first time people feel listened to. It can be a turning point where someone is connected to the right support for things like mental health, housing or social security, making it less likely they will need a food bank in the future.
But with so many people unable to afford the essentials right now, food banks continue to provide record levels of emergency food. Finding enough space and time to have a conversation over a cup of tea with everyone who needs help is harder than ever – for some food banks it’s not possible at all right now. Many food banks face a very real challenge of how they can ensure they have sufficient resources to be able to keep meeting the high levels of need and the knock-on effects of needing more warehousing space, extended opening hours and more staff and volunteers to support this.
Your support will:
- Help us to provide bespoke wraparound support from central teams and easily accessible grants directly to individual food banks, targeted to support their specific needs. This will include bulk purchase of food, fuel costs, additional warehousing space and support for volunteers and paid staff to ensure they can meet the need this winter and beyond.
- Help to connect people with specialist advice on money matters and other support services which reduce the likelihood of people needing a food bank again in the future.
- Help fund rigorous research that exposes the truth about hunger in the UK and make a powerful case for changes that will ensure all of us have enough money for the essentials – an updated social security system, secure and rewarding work, affordable homes, and supportive services.
Thank you.