'We need your help more than ever' Food banks braced for rise in demand

FOOD banks in Bristol are bracing for a surge in demand with thousands of families expected to come through their doors this Christmas.

- JanLEWIS

Food banks are preparing for a busy period

That is the stark message from the Trussell Trust, which reveals there has been a sharp rise in the need for winter food parcels compared to five years ago.

The charity predicts its food banks in the region will provide tens of thousands of emergency parcels over the coldest months this year, as the rising costs of essentials - like food, electricity and rent - push more families to the brink.

Almost 67,000 emergency food parcels were distributed last winter between December 2024 and February 2025 to people across the South West, a 46% increase compared to pre Covid-pandemic levels five years ago.

More than 24,000 emergency food parcels were provided for children across the region last winter, 34% higher than the same period five years ago.