90% of Food Banks Report Increase in Demand in UK

At a glance

• Almost 90% of food banks surveyed reported increased demand in December 2022 and January 2023 compared with the same period in 2021.
• Food inflation is currently at 16.7%, while the cost of gas has increased by 130% compared to the same time last year.
• Disposable income for households is projected to decrease by 4.3% in 2022-23.
• Cost of living, wages, and waiting times for initial universal credit payments were identified as the most significant issues.
• Benefits and the state pension are set to increase in line with inflation at 10.1% from April.

The details

Increased Demand for Food Banks

The number of people accessing food banks in Britain has risen significantly in the past year, with almost 90% of food banks surveyed reporting increased demand in December 2022 and January 2023 compared with the same period in 2021. The Trussell Trust, which runs the UK’s largest network of food banks, has reported that 1.3m emergency food parcels were distributed between April and September – a third more than the same period in 2021 and over 50% more than pre-pandemic.

Food inflation is currently at 16.7%, while the cost of gas has increased by 130% compared to the same time last year.

According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, disposable income for households is projected to decrease by 4.3% in 2022-23. Food banks are facing record demand from people in employment, including those in the NHS and teaching professions, with more than 80% of food banks reporting an increase in the number of people they are supporting for the first time.

Contributing Factors

Additionally, demand is increasing among pensioners and families with babies.

The cost of living, wages, and waiting times for initial universal credit payments were identified as the most significant issues by independent food banks. Additionally, a third of these food banks reported that benefit sanctions and deductions were a contributing factor.

Furthermore, burnout among staff and volunteers was also reported.

Government Support

Industrial action by NHS staff has been met with varying levels of public support, with 64% of the public backing nurses, 60% supporting ambulance workers and 39% supporting rail workers.

The BMA has warned the government that if its junior doctors’ ballot is successful, a 72-hour full walkout is planned for next month.

The government has provided £1,200 of direct support to millions of households last year, including £400 towards energy costs.

The government’s energy price guarantee is estimated to save the typical household an additional £900 this winter.

Benefits and the state pension are set to increase in line with inflation at 10.1% from April, while a household support fund is available to help people with essential costs.

Junior doctors’ pay has increased by a cumulative 8.2% since 2019-20.