Food Banks Brace For Winter Surge

Tens of thousands of pensioners and children will be forced through their doors this Christmas.

New figures from Trussell reveal a sharp rise in the need for winter food parcels compared to five years ago.

• Food banks in the Trussell community expect to provide a food parcel every 10 seconds this winter.
• Over a quarter of a million food parcels were provided for children last winter – that's over one  in every three parcels, according to new figures.
• The level of support provided by food banks to people aged 65 and over last winter was three times higher (over 24,000 parcels) than what it was before the pandemic.
• Food banks in the Trussell community have seen a 40% increase in overall parcels provided over the winter period, compared with five years ago.

Almost three quarters of a million (740,000) emergency food parcels were distributed overall last winter between December 2024 and February 2025 to people across the UK – a 40% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels five years ago.   

More than a quarter of a million (266,000 parcels) were provided for children last winter, representing one in every three parcels – a 29% rise compared to five years ago.

Alarmingly, the biggest increase was among people over 65 who received more than 24,000 food parcels last winter – more than three times (202% higher) the level of support compared to the same period five years ago.

Last winter alone, over 68,000 families visited a Trussell food bank for the first time. As the UK heads into the festive season, Trussell estimates that once again tens of thousands of families will need to turn to a food bank for the first time.

Trussell predicts that food banks in the Trussell community will provide an emergency parcel every 10 seconds over the coldest months this year, as the rising costs of essentials – like food, electricity and rent – push more families to the brink.

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 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 spent an estimated £3.5 million on food as donations struggled to keep up with high levels of need across the UK.

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.

Sophie Carre, Director of Engagement at Trussell, said: 

Christmas should be a time of joy and celebration, but this winter too many people will be struggling just to get by. Tens of 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.  

Food banks 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. 

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. Your support directly helps food banks meet urgent priorities – from buying food and essentials liker hot water bottles and blankets for people who can’t afford to heat their homes, to covering the rising costs of running a food bank. Thank you for standing with us and helping to ensure no one faces hunger alone this winter.