UK food banks reach crisis point as demand spikes and donations fall

Demand at food banks across the United Kingdom has reached a crisis point as poverty drives hunger, according to charity groups and official statistics. The Trussell Trust said more than 14.1 million people went hungry in the last year due to poverty, up from 11.6 million in 2022. Government officials have said they are determined to tackle the rising dependence on food banks, including extending free school meals and reforming crisis support with a £1 billion package and a forthcoming strategy from the Child Poverty Taskforce.

In Kent, Nourish Community Foodbank, which serves households across Tunbridge Wells and south Tonbridge, described the situation as reaching "crisis point." Operations director Dawn Stanford said the charity was facing its worst period in 13 years, with a 37% rise in referrals this year. She said monetary donations were insufficient, forcing the group to cover most referrals by purchasing food—about 75%—with only about 25% from donations.

Faversham Food Bank chair Dominic Deeson said donations had fallen as the cost of living and inflation bite. He said supporters were kind but they were struggling themselves, and the charity was getting closer to having to buy food to keep up with demand. For the first time they are asking people to provide financial donations.

This summer Kent County Council started a food voucher scheme for struggling families, but applications closed on 26 August.

In May the Trussell Trust said a 56% increase in food parcels given to families with children in the South East in the last five years should be a wake-up call. The Department for Work and Pensions said, "This government is determined to tackle the unacceptable rise in food bank dependence. In addition to extending free school meals and ensuring the poorest children don't go hungry in the holidays with £1bn to reform crisis support, our Child Poverty Taskforce will publish an ambitious strategy later this year." KCC has been approached for comment.

The challenge comes amid ongoing concerns about the cost-of-living squeeze. Charities say demand remains high, and donations are not keeping pace with need.