How to access a foodbank in the UK if you’re struggling to afford food

More than 14 million people in the UK can’t always afford to eat. Of those 14 million, 3.8 million are children. That’s a big jump from 11.6 million in 2022 and it shows just how many families are struggling to cover the essentials.

The stark findings come from the Trussell Trust’s latest “Hunger in the UK” report. The Trussell Trust, an anti-poverty charity, also offers the hardest-hit families in the UK access to foodbanks.

Below, we dig into some of the findings from the report and offer advice on how to access a foodbank if you’re struggling.

Work is no longer a safety net

Around 30% of people referred to a food bank came from a working household. With wages barely budging and the cost-of-living crisis ramping up, more people are finding there’s too much month left at the end of the money. If that’s you, and budgeting and cutting back isn’t enough to make ends meet, there’s help at hand.

Children are among the hardest hit

Worryingly, around one in four children now live in food-insecure households; these are homes where there’s not always enough to eat or where parents have to cut back on quality or quantity of food. For children under five, the risk is even higher. Many parents are skipping meals so their little ones can eat.

Why is this happening?

The report says the main reason for the rise in food insecurity is very low incomes. This is made worse by:

• problems with how the welfare system works and how support is delivered
• too many jobs being insecure, hard to get, or low-paid
• wages that just don’t cover the cost of essentials

Families referred to food banks have, on average, £104 a week left after housing costs. That has to stretch to cover food, bills, transport, and toiletries.

What is a food bank?

A food bank is a community-run service that provides free food boxes to help you get through a few days when money is tight. They’re there for anyone who’s struggling, whether it’s due to a crisis, a gap in income, or ongoing hardship.

How to access a food bank

Here’s the process for accessing a foodbank.

1. Get a referral

Most food banks ask for a referral from a local organisation, like:

• Citizens Advice
• Your local council
• A GP or healthcare professional
• A school, social worker or charity

They’ll talk through your situation and give you a voucher if you qualify.

2. Check the details

Your voucher might tell you which food bank to visit, when it’s open and when the voucher expires. Make sure you read it carefully, so you don’t miss out on support.

3. Find your nearest food bank

The organisation that referred you will tell you where to go. You can also search on the Trussell Trust website to find one close to you.