Record numbers turning to food banks

The number of food parcels given out by a major UK charity has more than doubled in the space of five years, new figures show.

Food banks in the Trussell Trust network provided nearly 3 million (2,986,203) emergency parcels in the 12 months to April 2023.

Worryingly, more than a third of these parcels were provided for children.

Over 760,000 people used one of the charity’s food banks for the first time over the same 12-month period – up 38% on the previous year.

Brian Thomas, chief executive at South Tyneside Food Bank, said increasing numbers of employed people are looking for help as wage increases fail to match the rising cost of living. He also said more families were struggling to afford the essentials.

And he warned: "Food donation levels are not keeping up with the significant increase in need; it’s a real pressure cooker situation for food banks."

The charity has called for improvements to the UK’s benefits system so that people can afford to pay for essentials like heating, clothes and food.

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If you’re struggling to pay for the essentials, there are a few ways we may be able to help.

We can check you’re claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to and offer support with budgeting. We also provide free expert advice if you’re no longer able to keep up with repayments on loans, credit cards, overdrafts etc. There are a number of ways you can get in touch.

You may also want to check whether you’re entitled to any grants to help with the rising cost of living. Enter your details in the Turn2us grant checker and see if there are any you can apply for.