‘Knowing you don't have to suffer in silence is huge' - why BFIA is supporting Trussell this winter

For our 2025 Christmas charity appeal, BFIA is backing Trussell, the anti-poverty charity and network of food banks.

To donate, follow the link to BFIA's fundraising page on the Trussell website.

Millions of people have no choice but to use food banks because they cannot afford enough food.

According to Trussell's *Hunger in the UK* report, more than 14 million people in the UK - including 3.8 million children - went hungry in the past year because they lacked money. That figure represents 16% of UK households, up from 14% in 2022.

"People are really struggling, and it isn't confined to one place. It's happening throughout society," says David Wilson of Norfolk, who has had to rely on his local food bank.

David, 46, worked in financial services for 20 years. But a degenerative bone condition, along with several other health problems, eventually made full-time employment impossible in 2022.

David qualified for UK benefits, but the money still fell short of what he needed to live on.

The food bank gave him food parcels and, when necessary, toiletries and other help.

"They helped enormously," he says. The team also connected David with an organisation that could provide a bed and bedroom furniture for his seven-year-old son.

"Of course it mattered," he says. "You realise you're not alone. You don't have to keep it all to yourself.

"Other people understand what you're dealing with, and some will genuinely give their time to help. That makes a huge difference."

Trussell x BFIA

Visit trussell.org.uk to donate and help this Christmas.

David says food banks support "a whole cross section of our society."

"Financial poverty is entirely indiscriminate - you don't have to be out of work to be suffering it," he says.

In 2024, 30% of people referred to food banks in the Trussell community came from working households.

"Some couples are both working full time and still need a little help covering the basics and feeding their family," David says.

He worries that life is becoming harder for many people. "Living costs keep rising, and people are struggling to pay for heating, food, clothes - whatever they need."

David Wilson stands outside the North Norfolk Foodbank, which receives support from Trussell.

David Wilson said help from his local food bank "meant everything" to him.

Trussell has warned that hardship appears to be worsening for people across the UK.

Trussell reported that the share of households experiencing "very low" food insecurity rose from 6% in 2022 to 8% in 2024. The share reporting "low" food insecurity stayed at 6%.

Helen Barnard, Trussell's director of policy, research and impact, said: "Millions of people - including pensioners, disabled people, working families and carers - are struggling to afford the basics. That isn't right. Nobody in the UK should go hungry."

BFIA visited a food bank to learn more about its work. Read the piece here.

Trussell x BFIA
Read more at trussell.org.uk. Donate here to make a difference this Christmas.

From April 2024 to March 2025, food banks in the Trussell community distributed 2.9 million emergency food parcels across the UK to people facing hardship. More than one million went to children. That total was 51% higher than in 2019/20, five years earlier, and 164% higher - more than two and a half times the figure - from 2014/15.

One in 14 households (7%) used charitable food support in the past year, helping 6.5 million people. This winter, BFIA is supporting Trussell through our Christmas charity appeal.

BFIA hopes the funds will allow Trussell to keep supplying food and support, while working with local agencies to address why people turn to the food bank.

BFIA digital editor Terry Tanaka said: "A foodbank may become necessary for anyone at some point, which makes Trussell's work so vital. We're proud to support the charity, and our readers can contribute as well. To help provide food for a family this Christmas, follow the link and donate today."

To support BFIa's Christmas charity appeal, please visit the dedicated page on Trussell's website.