AN EMERGENCY food parcel is predicted to be distributed every ten seconds by food banks within the Trussell community this winter, the charity predicts.
Trussell published statistics from a survey of 213 “representatives of individual food banks” on Wednesday. The figures suggest that there was a major rise in the necessity for food parcels last winter, and that the numbers of parcels provided for people over the age of 65 and for youngsters each rose.
Between December 2024 and February 2025, 740,000 emergency food parcels were distributed to people across the UK, indicating a 40-per-cent increase compared with pre-pandemic levels, five years ago.
During that period, 68,000 families visited a Trussell foodbank for the primary time. More than 24,000 parcels were provided to people over the age of 65 — thrice higher than before the pandemic.
The variety of parcels for youngsters also increased. The charity reported providing 266,000 parcels — one in every three parcels — which marks a 29-per-cent rise compared with five years ago.
“Last winter alone, food banks spent an estimated £3.5 million on food as donations struggled to maintain up with high levels of need across the UK,” a press release from the charity said.
Winter was consistently the busiest season for food banks, it said, as need increased owing to colder temperatures and better energy costs. This yr, greater than half their food banks (greater than 58 per cent) reported being at “breaking point” and were purchasing “significant amounts of food just to maintain up”.
A single parent from Northern Ireland, Alicia Mehaffey, who works as a care assistant, said: “During the festive season, you ought to do the whole lot possible in order that your loved ones can have the most effective Christmas. But whenever you’re struggling to afford the essentials, having the ability to have a giant dinner on Christmas Day looks like a pipe dream.”
Trussell is urging the general public to support their local food banks to assist provide emergency food and advice for people facing hardship and to play an element in ending hunger for good.
The director of engagement at Trussell, Sophie Carre, said: “Foodbanks offer greater than emergency food — they supply hope, dignity and relief to people facing hardship. They welcome individuals with warmth, offer connection over a cup of tea and provides advice that makes it less likely people might want to turn to a food bank again.”
In a press release, the presenter and Trussell supporter, Carol Vorderman, spoke of getting grown up in “abject” poverty. “Hardship stays with you,” she said. “This yr, too many individuals will spend the festive period anxious sick, skipping meals so their children can eat and unsure how they may cope.”
Ms Carre said: “As the coldest months attract, food banks need your help greater than ever. If you might be able to offer, you’ll be able to make sure that food banks are there for everybody who needs support this festive season by donating to Trussell’s winter appeal.”
