AN EMERGENCY food parcel is expected to be distributed every ten seconds by food banks in 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 significant rise in the need for food parcels last winter, and that the numbers of parcels provided for people over the age of 65 and for children both 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 first time. More than 24,000 parcels were provided to people over the age of 65 — three times higher than before the pandemic.
The number of parcels for children 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 keep up with high levels of need across the UK,” a statement from the charity said.
Winter was consistently the busiest season for food banks, it said, as need increased owing to colder temperatures and higher energy costs. This year, more than half their food banks (more than 58 per cent) reported being at “breaking point” and were purchasing “significant amounts of food just to keep up”.
A single parent from Northern Ireland, Alicia Mehaffey, 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.”
Trussell is urging the public to support their local food banks to help provide emergency food and advice for people facing hardship and to play a part in ending hunger for good.
The director of engagement at Trussell, Sophie Carre, said: “Foodbanks 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.”
In a statement, the presenter and Trussell supporter, Carol Vorderman, spoke of having grown up in “abject” poverty. “Hardship stays with you,” she said. “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.”
Ms Carre said: “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.”
