Overview
- Nearly 740,000 emergency parcels were distributed between December 2024 and February 2025, a 40% rise compared with pre-pandemic levels.
- One in three parcels—266,000—went to children, while support for people aged 65 and over climbed 202% to 24,000 parcels.
- More than 68,000 families turned to a Trussell food bank for the first time last winter.
- Donations lagged needs, prompting affiliated food banks to spend an estimated £3.5 million on food, and 58% report preparing for this winter feels harder than ever.
- Celebrities including Carol Vorderman and Joseph Fiennes are urging donations as the government points to wage, energy bill and welfare changes, including scrapping the two-child limit.