Food banks brace for winter surge

New figures from Trussell reveal a sharp rise in the need for winter food parcels compared to five years ago.

• Food banks in the Trussell community expect to provide a food parcel every 10 seconds this winter.
• Over a quarter of a million food parcels were provided for children last winter – that's over one  in every three parcels, according to new figures.
• The level of support provided by food banks to people aged 65 and over last winter was three times higher (over 24,000 parcels) than what it was before the pandemic.
• Food banks in the Trussell community have seen a 40% increase in overall parcels provided over the winter period, compared with five years ago.
• Celebrities Joseph Fiennes and Carol Vorderman call on the public to support food banks this Christmas.

Almost three quarters of a million (740,000) emergency food parcels were distributed overall last winter between December 2024 and February 2025 to people across the UK – a 40% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels five years ago.   

More than a quarter of a million (266,000 parcels) were provided for children last winter, representing one in every three parcels – a 29% rise compared to five years ago.

Alarmingly, the biggest increase was among people over 65 who received more than 24,000 food parcels last winter – more than three times (202% higher) the level of support compared to the same period five years ago.

Last winter alone, over 68,000 families visited a Trussell food bank for the first time. As the UK heads into the festive season, Trussell estimates that once again tens of thousands of families will need to turn to a food bank for the first time.

Trussell predicts that food banks in the Trussell community  will provide an emergency parcel every 10 seconds over the coldest months this year, as the rising costs of essentials – like food, electricity and rent – push more families to the brink.

Winter is consistently the busiest season for food banks, with need typically peaking due to colder temperatures and increased energy costs. At this time of year, food banks play a vital role in ensuring that people who cannot afford the essentials can still get by.

But worryingly, over half (58%) of Trussell’s community of food banks say that preparing for this winter feels harder than ever, as levels of need continue to outpace donations.  Many food banks say they are at breaking point and having to purchase significant amounts of food just to keep up.

Last winter alone, food banks spent an estimated £3.5 million on food as donations struggled to keep up with high levels of need across the UK.

That’s why Trussell is urging people to support them and their local food banks in any way possible – to help provide emergency food and advice for people facing hardship and play their part in ending hunger for good.

Joseph Fiennes, Hollywood actor and Trussell supporter, said: "Every day in the UK, I’m reminded of the stark reality of how the cost of living continues to affect people’s lives. I see the stress of parents in debt, struggling with the basic costs of clothing and feeding their children. As winter sets in, we have a responsibility to support people who are struggling most. I encourage everyone who can to donate to the Trussell’s winter appeal and help those who can’t take heating and eating for granted."

Carol Vorderman, presenter and Trussell supporter, said: "Christmas is the toughest time of year for people on the very lowest incomes, who are already struggling to make ends meet. When I was growing up in the 60s my mum was a single parent and I grew up in North Wales in abject poverty, that hardship stays with you. This year too many people will spend the festive period worried sick, skipping meals so their children can eat and unsure how they will cope. It doesn’t have to be that way and together we can call for change to end the need for food banks. But until then, food banks remain a lifeline for people struggling to put food on the table. Please support and give what you can to help families across Wales this winter."

Alicia Mehaffey, a single parent from Northern Ireland who works as a care assistant, said: "During the festive season, you want to do everything possible so that your family can have the best Christmas. But when you’re struggling to afford the essentials, being able to have a big dinner on Christmas Day feels like a pipe dream.  

"I have a paid job as a carer, but even though I work, my income is so low it still has to be topped up by Universal Credit. And even then, it isn’t enough to cover my bills. After I’ve paid for car tax, bills and fuel, I’m left with nothing. My daughter is my focus, and sometimes I’ve gone without meals so she can eat.  

"I started using the food bank while I was pregnant with my baby girl. Becoming a parent brings so many added pressures like the cost of baby food, nappies, and toiletries. The food bank was an absolute lifesaver. Without it, I don’t know where I’d be."

Sophie Carre, Director of Engagement at Trussell, said: "Christmas should be a time of joy and celebration, but this winter too many people will be struggling just to get by. Tens of thousands of families will be forced to turn to a food bank for the first time as they are left exhausted, isolated and without enough money to live on.  

"Food banks offer more than emergency food – they provide hope, dignity and relief to people facing hardship. They welcome people with warmth, offer connection over a cup of tea and give advice that makes it less likely people will need to turn to a food bank again. 

"As the coldest months draw in, food banks need your help more than ever. If you are in a position to give, you can make sure food banks are there for everyone who needs support this festive season by donating to Trussell’s winter appeal. Your support directly helps food banks meet urgent priorities – from buying food and essentials liker hot water bottles and blankets for people who can’t afford to heat their homes, to covering the rising costs of running a food bank. Thank you for standing with us and helping to ensure no one faces hunger alone this winter."

For interviews with Trussell spokespeople, food bank managers and where possible, people with lived experience of needing to turn to a food bank, email press@trussell.org.uk

Notes to editors:  

• Trussell is reporting on data for winter 2024/25 (December 2024 to February 2025 inclusive), and comparing to the pre-pandemic winter period of 2019/20 (December 2019 to February 2020).
• All data on families refers to the number of households supported for the first time by food banks in the Trussell community. Households are classified as families whether they do or do not have children.
• Emergency food parcel numbers have been forecast by Trussell, based on long term patterns in food parcel distribution by food banks in the Trussell community
• Survey findings are based on a survey of food banks within the Trussell community. 213 representatives of individual food banks took part online, between 17th July-17th August. This represented 51% of food banks in the Trussell community. Results have not been weighted.