Tag: food banks

Food banks provide almost 220,000 food parcels to people facing hunger across Scotland

Majority are for families with children, reports Trussell

  • Families with children continue to be among hardest hit, receiving 56% of parcels despite representing only 38% of the overall population 
  • Severe hardship among older people is rising sharply, with parcels provided to people aged 65+ more than doubling (106%) since 2019 
  • Scottish stars including Brian Cox, Sanjeev Kohli, Julie Graham, Mark Bonnar and Gregor Fisher join call for political parties to commit to ending need for food banks ahead of Holyrood elections 
  • Trussell warns that people are feeling “overlooked and left behind” as the strain eases for some, while ongoing, day-to-day hardship continues to weigh heavily on other families 

New figures released today by Trussell reveal that almost 220,000 emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hunger and hardship across Scotland in 2025, as hunger continues to grip communities. 

Trussell’s community of food banks in Scotland are providing the equivalent of 600 food parcels a day – or one parcel every 2 and a half minutes.  

Trussell reported a 13% drop in the total parcel numbers provided in Scotland compared to the previous year of 2024, largely due to easing inflation – reflecting a slowdown in the rising cost of essentials – alongside fewer people losing their jobs. While this means some people have been able to get back on their feet, the charity warns too many are feeling “overlooked and left behind” as incomes from social security and wages continue to fail to cover the high costs of essentials like food, utility bills, and toiletries. 

Parents are among the people shouldering the heaviest burden, as families with children received more than half (56%) of all parcels in 2025, despite making up just 38% of Scotland’s population. Trussell is also reporting an alarming rise in hardship among older people in Scotland. Between 2019 and 2025 the number of parcels provided for people aged 65 and over more than doubled (106% increase).

Food banks are describing the persistent hardship they witness as “appalling”, with people sitting in the dark to save electricity, parents skipping meals to feed their children, and people in such impossible situations that they open food parcels to eat before leaving the food bank. 

At the same time, levels of need continue to outpace donations. Many food banks say they are at breaking point and are having to purchase significant amounts of food just to keep shelves stocked. 

The charity says such appalling levels of hunger and hardship should serve as a wake-up call for the upcoming election. In Scotland, there are high levels of public concern about hunger and hardship with 94% of people saying it’s a problem. (Trussell Public Attitudes Survey 2025) 

This Holyrood election, the charity is calling on all political parties and candidates to commit to a plan to end the need for food banks in Scotland for good.

A host of Scottish celebrities have also joined Trussell’s call. 

Brian Cox, actor and Succession star, said: “No one should have to turn to a food bank to get by. But shockingly, almost 220,000 emergency food parcels were distributed across Scotland last year – with so many of these provided for children.  

“I know from my own experience that poverty has a lasting impact that never leaves you. It has a stubborn grip. Food banks are a lifeline, but they shouldn’t have to exist in a just and compassionate society. 

“That’s why I’m calling on all political parties in the Holyrood elections to commit to ending the need for food banks in Scotland for good. Because hunger is not inevitable.” 

Sanjeev Kohli, Still Game star and comedian, said: “Finport & Craiglang might be fictional, but in very real communities the length & breadth of our country, too many people are struggling to afford the essentials and will have no choice but to turn to their local food bank for support. 

“Parents are being forced to ration nappies and people are opening food parcels to eat as soon as they leave the food bank. I don’t want to live in a country which stands by as people are forced to the brink like this.

“I stand with Trussell in putting pressure on all political parties in the Holyrood elections to commit to ending the need for food banks for good.” 

Julie Graham, Shetland actor, said: “It’s not right that anyone should be facing hunger in Scotland today. 

It’s especially alarming how many children are experiencing this, struggling to get through a day at school on an empty stomach. 

“That’s why I’m standing with Trussell and calling on all political parties in the Holyrood elections to commit to ending the need for food banks, so no one has to go through this.” 

Mark Bonnar, actor and Celebrity Traitors star, said: “It’s shocking that so many people are still facing hunger and hardship in Scotland today.

“This shouldn’t be the case in 2026. Food banks are a lifeline, but they shouldn’t be necessary. I am standing with Trussell to call on all political parties to commit to ending the need for food banks in Scotland for good.” 

Gregor Fisher, actor and Rab C Nesbitt star, said: “The number of people having to turn to food banks across Scotland in order to survive is unacceptable.

“With almost 220,000 emergency food parcels being distributed to people across the country, and so many of these provided for children, it’s clear that the time for action is now. 

“It’s a disgrace that so many families are struggling to get by. That’s why I’m standing with Trussell to call for all political parties in the Holyrood elections to prioritise solutions that will end hunger, and commit to a future without food banks.” 

Cara Hilton, senior policy and public affairs manager at Trussell Scotland, said: “Today’s figures show that too many people across Scotland are still being pushed to the brink. Hunger continues to hold a harsh grip on communities, leaving many people feeling overlooked and left behind. 

“This is heartbreaking. No one should be forced to turn to a food bank because they can’t afford the essentials we all need, like food, bills and toiletries. But right now, too many people are being forced to skip meals so their children can eat, or survive on cups of tea because they don’t have any food left in the cupboards.  

“This Holyrood election, we need to see the political will to act on the unacceptably high levels of hunger and hardship. We must build a Scotland where everyone can afford the essentials, where every child has a decent start in life, and where charitable food provision is consigned to history.  

“We urge all political parties and candidates to commit to a plan to end the need for food banks in Scotland for good. We won’t stop until everyone has enough to afford the essentials and we can end the need for food banks for good.” 

Pam, 59, a former police officer from Kirkintilloch, said: “Having worked as a police officer until I had to quit due to ill-health, I never thought I’d need to use a food bank. I had to get a hip replacement due to arthritis, and then my house was repossessed as I just couldn’t afford to keep going.  

“I visited the food bank in some of my darkest days, and the support of the food bank helped me not only get the food I needed but the right support too. They gave me the help I needed to cope with my illness and that’s why after using the food bank, I volunteered there to help give back.   

“Despite being able to get back on my feet a little, I later suffered an aneurysm in my brain which left me having to learn to walk again, and the damage that caused means I sometimes struggle with the sheer level of administration that comes with claiming Universal Credit.  

“I am now at risk of having to use it again because the health element of my benefits is being reviewed.” 

Trussell says food banks need everyone to play their part to move us towards ending the need for emergency food in the UK.

The public can help make sure food banks can continue to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice in the year ahead by donating food or funds to Trussell or your local food bank to help end hunger in the UK. 

You can find out how many emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship in your local area on the Trussell website: campaign.trussell.org.uk/parcels-by-postcode 

Aldi provides over 13,000 meals to Edinburgh charities over festive period

Aldi helped deliver 13,823 meals to people in Edinburgh over the Christmas and New Year period by donating surplus food from its stores.

The UK’s fourth largest supermarket teamed up with local good causes across Edinburgh – including Porty Community Fridge, Food Rescue Group and Tummies Not Trash – to donate a range of fresh and chilled foods from its stores after closing early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Neighbourly, the community giving platform that partners with Aldi, found that charitable organisations faced increasing pressure over the winter period, with four in five charities saying demand for their services had risen over the past six months and demand for foodbanks and other food provision expected to increase by nearly 30% over the colder months.

Aldi has worked with Neighbourly since 2019 and provides surplus food from all of its UK stores to thousands of charities across the country.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “This Christmas we were proud to support so many incredible charities across the UK who provide essential support to those in need.

“The services provided by food banks are more important than ever in the current climate, especially over the festive period and we’re committed to ensuring those that rely on them have access to a wide range of high-quality foods.”

Steve Butterworth, CEO at Neighbourly, added: “We’re so grateful to have had Aldi’s support for another year.

“Christmas is one of the busiest periods for our charities and the donations from Aldi mean we can help even more people across the country who need that bit of extra support over the festive period.”

Shoppers can donate food to local charities, food banks and community groups via the community donation points in Aldi stores nationwide.

Aldi also works with Company Shop Group, the UK’s leading redistributor of surplus food and household products, to redistribute surplus food from its Regional Distribution Centres. This year, it provided more than 2,500 free Christmas lunches to Company Shop’s award-winning social enterprise, Community Shop.

The UK’s fourth largest supermarket also made it easier for shoppers to give back through a warm clothing and post-Christmas clear-out appeal with The Salvation Army and InPost Lockers, allowing customers to donate coats, hats, scarves and gloves – as well as unwanted Christmas gifts in good condition – at InPost Locker donation points in Aldi stores across the UK.

Trussell: Looking Ahead

As we step into 2026, we’re reflecting on a year that showed both the scale of hardship in the UK and the power of people coming together to change it.

Last year our network of food banks supported millions facing crisis, while continuing to push for the changes needed to tackle the root causes of poverty and hunger.

None of this happened by chance. It happened because of the commitment, compassion and determination of our food banks, volunteers, partners and supporters across the country.

Now, we’re looking ahead. Because emergency food should never be the answer, and together, we can make even more change in 2026.

Trussell: Food banks in Scotland braced for winter surge 

  • Last winter, food banks in the Trussell community across Scotland provided an emergency food parcel to someone every 2 minutes 12 seconds.
  • Over 19,000 food parcels were provided for Scottish children last winter – that’s just under one in every three parcels, according to new figures
  • Over 5,400 families visited a Trussell food in Scotland for the first time last winter, with thousands expected once again this year 
  • The level of support provided by food banks to people in Scotland aged 65 and over last winter was almost double (+99% higher) than what it was before the pandemic
  • Still Games star Sanjeev Kohli calls on the public to support food banks this Christmas 

New figures from Trussell reveal alarming numbers of people in Scotland needing support from a food bank over the winter period.  

Over 59,000 emergency food parcels were distributed overall last winter between December 2024 and February 2025 to people across Scotland with more than 19,000 of these provided for children – representing just under one in every three parcels. 

There has been an alarming increase in the support provided for people aged 65 and over. Last winter, people aged 65 and over received more than 1,400 food parcels – that’s nearly double (99% higher) the level of support compared to the same period five years ago. 

Last winter alone, over 5,400 families visited a Trussell food bank in Scotland for the first time and -as the country heads into the festive season – the charity estimates that once again thousands of people will need to turn to a food bank for the first time. 

Last winter food banks in the Trussell community across Scotland provided emergency food to someone every 2 minutes 12 seconds.  

Over the coldest months this year, as the rising costs of essentials – like food, electricity and rent – push more families to the brink, we expect to see sustained high levels of need. 

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 across the UK 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 in Scotland spent an estimated £205,000 on food as donations struggled to keep up with high levels of need. 

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.  

Sanjeev Kohli, Still Games star and Trussell supporter, said: “Finport and Craiglang might be fictional, but in very real communities the length and breadth of our  country, too many people will struggle to afford the essentials this winter and will have no choice but to turn to their local food bank for support. 

“No one should have to face our bitterly cold months worrying about whether to heat their home or have a hot meal, but so many people sadly will. No one should be forced to a food bank because they don’t have enough money to live on.   

“Winter is often the busiest time for food banks, but when you walk through their doors you’re met with such warmth and care. I’ve witnessed first-hand the relief that food banks provide to people facing hardship and it’s a reminder of the compassion and dignity that brings our communities together, even in the toughest of times.  

“It breaks my heart that so many people will be forced to turn to a food bank to support themselves or their families this winter, that’s why I’d ask all of you to get down to your version of Navid’s and fill your basket with items for your local food bank. You can also support Trussell’s winter appeal by making a donation through their website.” 

Lynsey, a mum from Fife who was forced to turn to a food bank after her relationship broke down, said: “I was working full-time but my world collapsed when my partner left.

“It meant I had to leave my job to care for the children, and not long after I was also registered disabled. I have five children and after I became ill, I reached a point where I was completely overwhelmed.

“I was nervous when I first went to the food bank. I was worried I’d be judged but this wasn’t the case at all. The staff and volunteers were so welcoming and reminded me that keeping my children happy and fed was what mattered most.

“They provided us with emergency food when we couldn’t afford the essentials and I couldn’t be more grateful. Life is still tough and this winter will be a struggle once again with extra costs, like heating and energy bills.

“Thankfully, it’s such a relief to know that the food bank will be there to support my family. I don’t know what I’d do without them.” 

Cara Hilton, Trussell’s senior public affairs manager in Scotland, said: “Christmas should be a time of joy and celebration, but too many people in Scotland will be struggling just to get by. 

“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.

“Essentials like food on the table, a warm home and toiletries become a luxury many people simply cannot afford as people will be forced to make impossible decisions like whether to eat or heat their homes this winter.  

“As the coldest months draw in, food banks need your help now more than ever. If you are in a position to help, you can make sure food banks are there for everyone who needs their support this winter by donating to Trussell’s winter appeal. 

“Food banks are a lifeline, but they shouldn’t have to exist. This winter, will you help end hunger for someone today, and play your part in ending hunger for good?”

Lori Hughes, project manager at Perth and Kinross Foodbank, said: “We’re preparing for another very tough winter, and we’re asking for the support of our whole community so we can continue to be here for people facing hunger and hardship.

“Every week we see working families, carers, pensioners, and people just doing their very best to get by – and it shouldn’t be this way. 

“This winter, we expect to distribute almost 2,500 emergency food parcels, and this means we’ll need over 24 tonnes of food to be donated to meet need. To put that in perspective, that’s the weight of 46 adult male polar bears. 

“Food banks are not the answer, but right now they’re a lifeline. Donations are down, while need remains consistently high. When people’s cupboards are empty, our shelves must be full – and that is becoming harder to sustain.

“If you’re able to support us, whether through food, money, or time, it will make a real and immediate difference this winter.” 

To support, please visit trussell.org.uk   

Aldi opens applications for Christmas food donations programme

Aldi is calling on charities, community groups and food banks in Edinburgh to sign up for surplus food donations from its stores this Christmas.

The supermarket’s Edinburgh stores work with the community giving platform Neighbourly to donate surplus food throughout the year. But with all Aldi stores set to close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, there’s an opportunity for even more groups to benefit from the partnership over the festive season.

Participating charities will be matched with local Aldi stores and can collect fresh and chilled food nearing its expiration date, with Aldi expecting to donate an estimated one million meals to those in need over the festive period.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “The services our amazing charity partners provide are more in demand than ever during the festive period.

“That’s why we’re committed to offering as much support as we can to the communities we serve this Christmas.”

Steve Butterworth, Chief Executive Officer at Neighbourly, added: “Christmas can be a tough time for many families, and local charities are often a vital lifeline. We know there are still groups out there who could really use the extra help from businesses like Aldi, so we’d love them to get in touch.”

Any charity or community group not already working with Neighbourly can register their interest at neighbourly.com.

Customers can also donate food or household items year-round through community donation points in every Aldi store.

In addition to its long-term partnership with Neighbourly, Aldi has worked with Company Shop since 2022 to manage surplus stock from its Regional Distribution Centres. It sees surplus items sold at discounted prices to members throughout the year, making essentials more accessible and reducing waste.

Comedian Nish Kumar joins more than 700 anti-poverty campaigners at Westminster demanding urgent action on rising tide of hunger and hardship

Against a backdrop of unprecedented cuts to social security for disabled people and on the day of the first reading of the welfare reform bill, representatives of community food organisations from across UK called for urgent steps towards an Essentials Guarantee to ensure Universal Credit is fit for purpose: 

For the first time ever, more than 700 representatives – including people experiencing severe hardship, volunteers at local food banks and representatives from community food organisations – stood shoulder-to-shoulder to create an historic lobby at Westminster on Wednesday (18th June) as part of the Guarantee our Essentials campaign.

Among the prominent figures at the event was comedian, TV personality and Trussell supporter Nish Kumar who joined calls for a stronger social security system that ensures everyone can afford the essentials, like food. 

Right now, more than 9.3 million people – including more than three million children – are facing hunger and hardship across the UK. In response, leading anti-poverty organisations including Trussell, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Independent Food Aid Network, Feeding Britain, Salvation Army and Your Local Pantry united in London to urge the UK government to take immediate action.  

People from across the four nations of the UK came to meet their constituent MP, speak out against the levels of severe hardship they are seeing in their local area, and ask policymakers to play their part in delivering urgent and meaningful change to our social security system.  

Representatives are calling for steps towards an Essentials Guarantee which would ensure Universal Credit is fit for purpose, helping to prevent people from having to use a food bank.

This means moving closer to a guarantee that the basic rate of Universal Credit provides enough to ensure people are at least able to afford the essentials we all need to get by, such as food and bills.

Alongside the lobby, Trussell organised a panel discussion with people experiencing severe hardship and a session hosted by Nish Kumar. 

The event took place on the same day the UK government published its draft welfare reform bill, and millions of the UK public nervously wait to hear how MPs will vote on £7 billion worth of cruel cuts to disabled people’s social security payments. These cuts will push 440,000 more people in disabled households into severe hardship, according to Trussell research.  

Shockingly, three in four people who come to food banks in the Trussell community are disabled or live with someone who is, as disability payments for too many people already fall short of covering the essentials, like food and heating.

Too many people are falling behind on bills, are becoming trapped in debt, and having to live in cold, damp homes. 

Trussell says this is not right, and the majority of the UK public agrees that social security payments for disabled people should be enough to cover at least the essentials. 

Representatives at the lobby told more than 150 MPs these levels of severe hardship can and must change for the better. They urged them to play their part and join Trussell, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), and more than 100 charities, in calling on the UK government to create an Essentials Guarantee. 

Steps towards achieving this include implementing a ‘full boost’ to Universal Credit, raising it by £5 a week after inflation from April 2026, not April 2029, as planned. 

They also called for their MP to back bringing in an initial low-level protected minimum floor in Universal Credit to limit all deductions from social security payments including the benefit cap, to make the government’s new Fair Repayment Rate truly effective.  

Campaigners reiterated that whatever happens, we need Universal Credit to be there for all of us when we need it and urged that their MPs cannot ignore the shockingly high levels of severe hardship in our communities.  Crucially, they highlighted the opportunity to create some positive changes, such as the boost, to help people as much as possible.  

PRESS IMAGES © Jess Hurd

Emma Revie, chief executive at Trussell, said: “With more than 700 of us travelling to Westminster, we couldn’t send a more powerful and clear message to our MPs and to the UK government.

“We will not stand by while 9.3 million of us are facing hunger and hardship. People who have experienced severe hardship, people who work in food banks and from community organisations, as well as charity partners, have gathered from all over the UK, to call for a stronger social security system.  

“The moment couldn’t be more crucial. Our event comes as we wait to hear whether MPs are going to vote to cut disabled people’s social security by £7 billion. 

“It’s time for the UK government to act , and take steps towards creating an Essentials Guarantee to ensure Universal Credit is fit for purpose and protects everyone that needs it.”  

Nish Kumar, comedian and Trussell supporter, said: “It’s been incredible to join so many people coming together with one voice to speak out against the rising tide of hunger and hardship in the UK.

“This collective action shows that change is possible when we stand together and call for a future where everyone can afford life’s essentials. 

 “I’ve seen the incredible work that food banks do to support people facing hardship, but charities cannot and should not bear the brunt of an inadequate social security system that should be there to support us. We live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, yet millions of people are struggling to make ends meet.  

“We know the most important solution to ending the need for food banks – it’s about ensuring people have enough money in their pockets to put food on the table. This is a political choice, and our government has the power to end it.” 

PRESS IMAGES © Jess Hurd

Jacob Forman, director at Epping Forest Foodbank, said: “On the same day the UK government formally introduced a new bill in Parliament proposing significant cuts to support for disabled people, I was proud to stand alongside food banks in the Trussell community to demand better. Better for everyone who has been forced to use a food bank, and better for everyone who may be forced to in the future.

We know the UK public supports a future without food banks, and it’s one of the promises that this government was elected on.  

“We have not asked our MPs for the impossible. Instead, we have shared our vast experiences to highlight the actions that can genuinely change the life circumstances of the people we see every day for the better.

“As politicians sit on their benches, I hope our words resonate with them and encourage them push for a stronger social security system that ensures everyone can afford the essentials.” 

Trussell Trust lobby, Westminster, London. PRESS IMAGES © Jess Hurd

Jen Coleman, from Black Country Foodbank, a member of the Independent Food Aid Network, said: “Across the whole of the UK, a vast network of charitable food aid providers are united in their calls for the same fundamental changes to our broken social security system.

“Above all, everyone should be able to afford the essentials and a labyrinth of food banks and food pantries shouldn’t be needed to pick up the pieces.” 

On 3rd July, MPs will vote on a Bill that could push 440,000 disabled people into severe hardship. There’s still time to contact your MP and urge them to vote against these devastating cuts. 

Stars call on government to end UK hunger as food bank charity provides nearly 3 MILLION parcels

Celebrities support Trussell as it calls on the UK government to take urgent action to end hunger now

ANTI-poverty charity Trussell reports that 2.9 million emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship across the UK between April 2024 and March 2025, with more than a million of these provided for children. This is equivalent to one parcel every 11 seconds and a 51% increase compared to five years ago.

Worryingly, the annual figures also show significant numbers of parents struggling to afford the essentials. Since 2019/20 there has been a 46% rise in emergency food parcels provided to families with children, and a 32% rise in parcels to support children under the age of five.

High-profile celebrities from the world of stage and screen, including actors Dame Julie Walters, Lesley Manville, and Charlotte Ritchie alongside comedians Rosie Jones, Nish Kumar and, James Acaster are highlighting these alarming levels of hardship and calling for urgent reform to ensure nobody is experiencing hunger.

They are joined by a host of other celebrities, including Trussell ambassador, AJ Odudu, Hairy Biker, Si King, musicians, James Bay and Tom Grennan,  Reverend Canon Kate Bottley, and Dr Alex George. 

“Emergency food distribution is being normalised in the UK,” said Dame Julie Walters. “These stats highlight the need for us to come together and play our part in saying this isn’t right and things need to change if we’re to see a future where no one needs a food bank to survive.”

Actor Lesley Manville, who recently won an Olivier Award, said: “I’m shocked at the extremely high levels of emergency food parcels being distributed by food banks, especially the sharp rise in children under five needing support.

“This has to be a wake-up call for the UK government to prioritise hunger and hardship.”

Hairy Biker Si King also added his voice, saying: “It is heartbreaking to see a generation of children growing up thinking that it is normal to see a food bank in every town.

“We all have a moral responsibility to tackle the root causes of poverty to ensure no one has to turn to a food bank to get by.”

And singer-songwriter Tom Grennan said: “One emergency food parcel distributed in the UK is too many but nearly 2.9 million is scandalous.

“Food banks shouldn’t have to exist. In a just and compassionate society, everyone should have enough money to afford the essentials. Trussell won’t stop until this becomes a reality.”

Comedian James Acaster said: “Food banks do an incredible job in helping people facing hunger in the UK. The reality is that their support has seen a rise of more than 50% rise over the last five years with the biggest increase among families with children under four.

” It’s incredibly sad and I stand with Trussell in calling for government action to tackle poverty in our country.”

With MPs soon to vote on the UK government’s proposals to cut essential support for sick and disabled people, Trussell is warning that these changes could force even more people to turn to food banks to get by.

Disabled people are already overrepresented at food banks, with three in four of people referred to a food bank in the Trussell community saying they or a member of their household are disabled, placing them at the highest risk of hunger and hardship.

Comedian Rosie Jones said: “These stats are a stark reminder to the UK government that slashing the income of someone living with a disability who is already struggling to cover life’s essentials is cruel and counterproductive.

“It will only result in more people living with a disability needing to use a food bank.

“We mustn’t forget that a lack of infrastructure support significantly correlates with an increased need for disability benefits. Social security should be there for everyone who needs it, built on compassion and justice.”

The Reverend Canon Kate Bottley said: “It’s desperately sad to know so many parents are left with no choice but to turn to a food bank to get by.

“We must strive for solutions to poverty in the UK if we’re to make food banks a thing of the past.”

Musician James Bay said: “These stats highlight the extraordinary work of food banks to support families facing hardship, but no one should have to turn to a food bank to feed their children.

“We can all use our voice and say this isn’t right and call for the UK government to step up if they’re serious about tackling poverty.”

Comedian Nish Kumar said: “Almost 2.9million emergency food parcels were distributed across the UK last year.

“Food banks were created to provide short-term support, but they’ve become a sticking plaster for a long-term problem: our broken social security system, which isn’t providing enough money to cover the cost of the essentials. The UK government must act or risk seeing more people turn to food banks on their watch.”

Actor Charlotte Ritchie added: “From my work with Trussell, I’ve seen firsthand the hope, dignity and relief food banks provide to people facing hardship.

“But they shouldn’t be needed in the first place. A food parcel distributed every 11 seconds to someone facing hardship in the UK highlights the need for government action to tackle food bank need, starting with a re-think on proposed cuts to disability benefits.”

TV star Dr Alex George said: “We are seeing an unacceptable increase in the number of children needing support from a food bank – a rise of more than 50% in children under five in the last five years.

“Trussell’s work is incredible, but no family should have to turn to a food bank to survive.”

TV host and Trussell Ambassador AJ Odudu added: “I’m proud to be a Trussell Ambassador, championing a future where no one in the UK faces hunger or hardship.

“Right now, someone needs an emergency food parcel every 11 seconds, a stark reminder of the growing challenge and the desperate need for collective action. It’s never been more vital that we all play our part.”

Number of emergency food parcels distributed by food banks in the Trussell community: 1 April – 31 March 2019/20, 2023/24, and 2024/25:     

Nation and RegionFY 2019/20FY 2023/24FY 2024/25
North East                  98,520               150,599               129,011
North West               254,220               356,164               332,253
Yorkshire and The Humber               108,587               231,754               211,604
East of England               190,144               350,040               332,540
East Midlands               101,789               167,035               140,959
West Midlands               169,141               269,759               243,987
London               204,355               454,998               455,571
South East               199,519               347,440               311,991
South West               163,244               255,404               238,937
England           1,489,519           2,583,193           2,396,853
Scotland               238,583               264,778               239,503
Wales               136,104               187,983               171,673
Northern Ireland                  45,139                  90,525                  77,057
United Kingdom           1,909,345           3,126,479           2,885,086

Emma Revie, chief executive of Trussell, said: “Thousands of families with children, single households, disabled people, working people and older people from across the UK needed to access food banks for emergency food in the past year.

“A whole generation has now grown up in a country where sustained high levels of food bank need feel like the norm.

“This should be a massive wake-up call to government and a stark reminder of their responsibilities to the people of this country.

“This UK government will fail to deliver on its promise to improve living standards for us all unless it rows back on its harmful policy choices on disability benefits and housing support and shows greater ambition on areas like the upcoming child poverty strategy and future of local crisis support. Without action, they risk leaving a legacy of rising food bank need and child poverty.

“It is clear that the public’s cost of living fears are far from over, and these numbers show why. If the UK government truly wants to improve public services, boost the economy and make the UK a better place to live, then addressing hunger and hardship must be a priority.”

Food banks need everyone to play their part to move us towards ending the need for emergency food in the UK. The public can help make sure food banks can continue to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice in the year ahead by donating food or funds to Trussell or your local food bank to help end hunger in the UK.

You can find out how many emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship in your local area on the Trussell website: campaign.trussell.org.uk/parcels-by-postcode

Celebrities urge government to rethink devastating cuts to disabled people’s social security 

  • High-profile names including Sir Stephen Fry, Stanley Tucci, Aisling Bea, Levi Roots, Guy Garvey, Dame Arlene Phillips, Charlotte Ritchie and Jed Mercurio have spoken out against the UK government’s proposals to slash financial support for disabled people. 
  • Comedian Rosie Jones: “Disabled people are scared of what the future holds”. 
  • Actor Brian Cox: “So many people having to turn to food banks is a stain on this country”. 
  • The comments come as new polling by Trussell reveals that 7 in 10 people think social security should at least pay for disabled people’s essential living costs. 
  • The anti-poverty charity has branded the cuts as ‘cruel, irresponsible and out of touch’ with what the public want 

Celebrities including Rosie Jones, Sir Stephen Fry and Stanley Tucci have united to express their outrage at the social security cuts announced on Wednesday, saying that they risk pushing even more disabled people to food banks. 

The UK government, who were elected on manifesto pledges to end the need for emergency food parcels and to make sure Universal Credit tackles poverty, has published proposals that will make it harder for disabled people to get the payments that help them cover additional costs that they face such as purchasing specialist equipment or travel to healthcare services. 

Comedian Rosie Jones, who has cerebral palsy, spoke out about the potential impact of these cuts, saying: “Disabled people are scared of what the future holds if there’s cuts to disability payments, as they are already not enough to cover life’s essentials. Disabled people are far more likely to need to use a food bank and further cuts will only deepen the hardship they are facing.”  

Polling done this week by Trussell, an anti-poverty charity which supports a community of 1,400 food banks, indicated that 60% of Brits think the UK government is ‘doing badly’ on reducing the number of people experiencing poverty across the UK. 

Actor Brian Cox, who experienced poverty as a child, urged the Government to rethink the plans when he said: “The fact that so many people are having to turn to food banks is a stain on this country.

“This government vowed to tackle the need for emergency food parcels in the UK, yet this decision risks even more people having to seek support. It makes no sense and will have a lasting impact on the lives of so many people already finding it difficult to afford life’s essentials.” 

Trussell has already expressed concern that the cuts will have a significant impact on people who are already facing hunger and hardship with 75% of people referred to one of their food banks living in a household where someone is disabled.  

Recent research by Trussell indicated that three quarters (77%) of people getting Universal Credit and health or disability payments are already having to go without essentials. Four in 10 (43%) are already missing meals to try and keep up with other essential costs. A fifth (19%) have had to turn to a food bank in just the last month. 

Calling for a reversal of the proposals, Sir Stephen Fry said: “Cuts should be for people who can best afford them, not for disabled people, who are amongst the most vulnerable and overlooked of all our population.

“The social security system should be rooted in justice and compassion, fairness and need. It’s not too late to rethink this.” 

The celebrities are not alone in thinking that government support should be enough to ensure that no one needs a food bank to survive. Trussell’s data shows that 83% of Brits think the Government is responsible for ensuring disabled people’s essential needs are met. 

Two of Trussell’s Ambassadors reflected this, adding their voices to the call for change by saying: 

  • Television writer Jed Mercurio: “While our social security system requires regular review and reform to ensure it targets people most in need, these cuts will only increase the likelihood of people living with a disability needing to use a food bank.” 
  • Entrepreneur Levi Roots: “From my work with Trussell, I know disabled people in receipt of Universal Credit are already having to make impossible decisions between feeding their children and heating their homes. We need compassionate solutions that make food banks obsolete. Cuts to disability payments will simply keep food banks in business for longer.” 

Actor Stanley Tucci has encouraged people to speak out about the risk of the cuts, saying: “It breaks my heart to know so many people in a country as wealthy and developed as UK are experiencing hunger.

“Through my work with Trussell, I know that the reality of these cuts will be parents in disabled families having to skip meals so that they can feed their children. Things don’t have to be this way. We must shout as loud as we can to let the UK government know this plan is wrong.” 

If you want to share your thoughts on the proposed cuts, you can email your MP via the Trussell website at https://action.trussell.org.uk/disability-cuts.  

Trussell: Welfare and disability benefit cuts risk pushing even more people to food banks 

CHARITIES CALL FOR ESSENTIALS GUARANTEE

  • Almost one in five people receiving Universal Credit and disability benefits used a food bank in the last month
  • Hunger and hardship are already at record levels. Welfare and disability benefit cuts risk pushing even more people to the doors of food banks, says anti-poverty charity Trussell 
  • More than three quarters (77%) of people claiming Universal Credit and disability benefits have gone without essentials in the last six months. 
  • Just over four in ten (43%) people claiming Universal Credit and disability benefit have skipped meals to keep up with other essential costs in the last three months. 
  • The anti-poverty charity is urging the UK government not to cut welfare and disability benefits, which are already not enough to live on. 
  • Trussell is calling on the UK government to take steps towards an Essentials Guarantee in Universal Credit, so the basic rate at least always covers the cost of life’s essentials. 

Trussell has published new research that demonstrates the inadequacy of social security for disabled people across the UK.  

The research, conducted by YouGov on behalf of Trussell, reveals that almost one in five (19%) people receiving Universal Credit and disability benefits have used a food bank in the last month, while a shocking 77% have gone without essentials in the last six months. 

Just over four in ten (43%) people claiming Universal Credit and disability benefits have skipped meals to keep up with other essential costs in the last three months, while more than a third (37%) said they had not been able to keep their home warm enough this winter.

Meanwhile, a quarter (25%) of people in receipt of Universal Credit and disability benefits have had to choose between paying for heating/food, or getting a bed/bedding in the last three months.  

“I’m terrified the government will stop or cut disability benefits and if they do, I can’t bear to think of the outcome,” said one person in their survey response.  

Another person said: “It’s just going to get worse, my health will get worse. I won’t be able to renew my car insurance in March, or get an MOT this year. I think I’ll soon fall behind with gas and electric bills. If the government switch to a voucher scheme for disability payments, I’ll probably starve!” 

A quarter (25%) of people claiming Universal Credit and disability benefits have been unable to afford pain relief or other over the counter medication in the last three months. Four in ten (37%) participants were behind on bills, with 28% behind on gas or electricity in particular.  

Just over half (52%) of people claiming Universal Credit were pessimistic about their own financial situation over the next year. Additionally, 58% said the UK government is doing badly at improving living standards for people in their situation.  

Trussell is an anti-poverty charity and community of 1,400 food banks across the UK. Disabled people are overrepresented at food banks, as 75% of people referred to a food bank in the Trussell community said that they or a member of their household are disabled.  

To fulfil its long-term ambitions, Trussell says the UK government must take serious action to reduce hunger and hardship by investing in social security. Focusing on short term cuts will just push more people deeper into poverty and to hunger and hardship, and this will harm us all. 

Trussell has joined together with hundreds of communities, food banks and charities including the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, in calling on the UK government to create an Essentials Guarantee in Universal Credit, which means the basic rate at least cover’s life’s essentials and that support can never be pulled below that level.  

The majority of participants in the new survey agree, with 83% saying they would support an Essentials Guarantee. 

Sumi Rabindrakumar, head of policy and research at Trussell, said: “Trussell’s heartbreaking new findings show that Universal Credit and disability benefits are failing to cover the cost of living, with 77% of people receiving them having gone without the essentials in the last six months.

“Not only that, but one in five people have had to use a food bank. This should not be the case in one of the richest countries in the world. 

“We agree with the UK government that disability benefits urgently need reform. But balancing the books cannot come at the expense of people already having to survive on incredibly low incomes, and people with physical and mental ill health conditions.

“Our data shows that disabled people are far more likely to need support from a food bank, which likely reflects that life costs more for disabled people, with additional costs like therapies, treatments, specialist kit to help with day-to-day activities and paid care to think about on top of food, bills and toiletries. 

“Welfare and disability benefit cuts risk pushing even more people to the doors of food banks. Many disabled people are terrified of the prospect of cuts to disability benefits, which are already not enough to live on.

“If the UK government is committed to its promise to end the need for emergency food, it must address underlying barriers to work and flaws in our social security system. It must also commit to creating an Essentials Guarantee which would ensure everyone can at the very least afford the essentials we all need, such as food, bills and toiletries- not whip away lifelines from people who need them most.”