The demand for food banks has been steadily increasing as a result of the ongoing increased cost of living that has forced millions of families across the country to seek help to feed themselves and their families.
According to research by The Trussell Trust, one in seven people in the UK faced hunger in the last year.
The Trust, which works to fight hunger in the UK and supports a nationwide network of more than 1,300 food banks, distributed almost 3 million food parcels in 2022-23 – 37% more than the previous year – with 1.1 million of them provided for children.
The data speaks for itself – food banks are a crucial lifeline for communities in every corner of the country.
Speaking about the rising need for emergency food, Emma Revie, Chief Executive at the Trussell Trust, recently said: “Food banks were set up to provide short-term support to people in an emergency, they are not a lasting solution to hunger and poverty, and more than three quarters of the UK population agree with us that they should not need to exist.
“The staff and volunteers in our network are working tirelessly to ensure help continues to be available, but the current situation is not one they can solve alone.”
However, several food banks are struggling to source enough food with many reporting increased demand and falling donations – the tightening of household budgets is impacting on donations.
Katherine Cotter, a member of Transport for the North’s Charity Sub-committee said: “We’re delighted to have chosen The Trussell Trust as corporate charity for 2023.
“It’s incredibly sad to see more and more people finding themselves with no option but to turn to charitable food aid. According to the Trust’s annual report, more than three-quarters of a million people who received help had never before used one of its food banks. Shockingly, one in five people referred to a food bank was in a household where someone had a job.”
Throughout the year Transport for the North will be organising various fundraising activities, from bake sales, the classic quiz and some entertaining team challenges.
Katherine added: “Our colleagues are helping to make a big difference and we’re really proud to support The Trust. It’s doing incredible work to ensure they can continue to provide emergency food and practical support to people in crisis, as they work towards their long-term vision to end the need of food banks.”
The Trussell Trust provides a minimum of three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food to people who have been referred, alongside support and advice to help them maximise their incomes and lift themselves out of poverty.