Having been increasing since 2021, the cost of living is now at a record high; with inflation reaching the highest level since 1992, and consumer prices 7% higher than the same time last year, many people can no longer afford to accommodate basic needs.

Food banks have existed for twenty years, and their precious supplies are now relied upon by millions. Its is estimated that there are over 2500 food banks in the UK, 1300 of which are run by the Trussell Trust. Over 2.1 million three-day food parcels were supplied by around Trussell Trust food banks last year. This is an increase of 14% since 2020. More shocking still, dependency on Trussell Trust food banks has increased by 81% since 2017, just 5 years ago.

Of those using food banks, many are in situations of dire need. Over 94% were facing destitution, unable to keep clean, warm, fed and dry. Many had also had issues with the benefits system, with two-thirds of those surveyed saying they had faced benefit award reductions and long waits.

The Trussell Trust’s chief executive, Emma Revie, is calling for ‘the UK government to take responsibility for the cost of living crisis and urgently increase benefits by at least 7% so more people are able to afford the essentials’.

However, while inflation is expected to rise up to 8.7% in late 2022, and 83% of UK adults reporting and increase in their cost of living, this is a difficult problem to solve. For those most at risk from financial difficulty, there is very little protection and stability.  The increase in cost of living will have an unprecedented impact on many households; the Resolution Foundation predicts that over 1.3 million more people will fall into absolute poverty next year. As a result, this crisis can only be expected to worsen.

To help with the crisis, donations to food banks are of vital importance. To donate to the Trussell Trust, see link below.

Donations

Make a donation - The Trussell Trust

Sources

End of Year Stats - The Trussell Trust

Food poverty: Households, food banks and free school meals

Food Insecurity Series: The cost of living & food banks

What do the latest food bank statistics tell us? (parliament.uk)

UK food banks have provided more than 2.1 million food parcels in past year