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One Emergency Parcel Every 11 Seconds
The food bank crisis in the UK has reached unprecedented levels. During 2023/24, the Trussell Trust distributed 3.13 million emergency food parcels to people in crisis – a record high. Even more concerning, this represents a continuation of a troubling upward trend: in 2024/25, demand remained critical at 2.89 million parcels. When compared to the 1.9 million parcels distributed in 2019/20, this represents a staggering 51% increase in just five years.
This growth reflects not a temporary economic shock, but a deepening crisis affecting millions of UK residents. Every parcel distributed represents a household unable to afford sufficient food, a failure of the safety net designed to protect vulnerable people, and an indictment of a system that has allowed food insecurity to become normalised.
Key Facts & Figures (Overview)
- 3.13 million emergency parcels distributed in 2023/24 (record high)
- 2.89 million parcels distributed in 2024/25
- 1.9 million parcels distributed in 2019/20
- 51% increase in food bank usage over five years (2019/20 to 2024/25)
- One emergency parcel distributed every 11 seconds (2023/24 data)
- 69% of food bank users are disabled
- Families with children represent a significant proportion of food bank users
- 11% of food bank users are in work
- Young adults (18-25) represent 9% of food bank users
- Universal Credit (UC) and Income Support (IS) claimants are the largest group seeking food bank support
Who Uses Food Banks?
Disabled individuals account for approximately 69% of food bank users. Disability often impacts income through reduced work capacity, and disability-related costs can be substantial. Many disabled people also face additional barriers to accessing employment, making them disproportionately vulnerable to food insecurity.
Families with children represent a substantial portion of food bank users. The cost of housing, childcare, and food in the UK has created an impossible situation for many families, particularly single-parent households. Parents often deprioritise their own nutrition to feed their children, increasing their own health risks.
Approximately 11% of food bank users are in work. This "in-work poverty" reflects the inadequacy of wages and benefits in relation to the true cost of living. Many UK residents work full-time yet still struggle to afford basic necessities such as food.
Young adults aged 18-25 represent 9% of food bank users. This age group often faces barriers such as lack of work experience, difficulty securing stable housing, and reduced benefit entitlements. The transition to independence can be financially precarious.
Why Has Food Bank Use Risen?
Food Inflation: The cost of food has risen dramatically, particularly since 2021. Protein, fresh produce, and staple items have become significantly more expensive, outpacing wage growth and benefit increases.
Inadequate Benefits: Universal Credit and other social security benefits have not kept pace with the rising cost of living. The standard allowance for Universal Credit remains insufficient for meeting basic needs, including food.
Delays and Sanctions: Universal Credit claimants often experience delays in receiving their first payment, which can take several weeks. Additionally, sanctions (benefit reductions) imposed for non-compliance with requirements can push people into crisis and food insecurity.
Housing Costs: Rent and mortgage payments consume an increasingly large proportion of household budgets. When people spend most of their income on housing, little remains for food and other essentials.
Food Banks and Food Safety
Food banks provide a vital service, but they also present food safety challenges. Emergency parcels often contain donated items of varying quality and storage history. Food bank volunteers and users must be educated on food safety principles, including proper storage, handling, and preparation. Additionally, people in food insecurity may lack adequate storage facilities (such as a functioning refrigerator), making proper food storage difficult. Organizations providing food bank support should prioritise food safety training and guidance to ensure that emergency food assistance does not inadvertently cause foodborne illness. See our food waste statistics for insights on how redistribution can reduce waste.
Written by Food Safety Experts
This article was written by the team at Level 2 Food Hygiene, specialists in food safety training and compliance.
