Appeal as thousands to turn to West food banks

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

- IAN LEWIS

> The Trussell Trust handed out almost 67,000 emergency food parcels from December 2024 to February 2025 in the South West

(Dan Prince)

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 that 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 levels five years ago.

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

There has been an alarming increase in the support provided for people aged 65 and over. Last winter, they received almost 2,000 food parcels ~ more than triple (211% higher) the level of support compared to the same period five years ago.

Last winter alone, food banks in the South West spent an estimated £195,000 on food as donations struggled to keep up with high levels of need across the region.