Coronavirus: 50% rise in emergency food parcels in Peterborough

The total includes 4,062 food parcels for adults (a 39 per cent rise) and 2,517 for children (an 83 per cent rise).

More than 1.2 million emergency food parcels were given to people struggling to afford essentials by food banks in the Trussell Trust’s UK-wide network between April 1 and September 30, making it the busiest ever half-year period for its food banks.

More than 470,000 of these parcels went to children, a 47 per cent increase on the same period last year. 

The charity has also noted that their new figures do not include the number of people helped by new community organisations, independent food banks and local authorities which have stepped up during the pandemic to support residents. 

Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, said: “Throughout 2020, communities across the East of England have stepped in to provide vital support to people left without enough money.

“Volunteers in food banks have been working hard under extremely difficult circumstances to make sure support is there for people struggling to afford essentials. But it’s not right that any of us are forced to a charity for food at any time of year.  

“In the last few weeks we’ve seen incredible compassion and concern for people facing hunger following Marcus Rashford’s brilliant campaigning. And it’s hugely welcome to see the Government build on steps already taken by providing significant new funding for local councils in England.

“This vital local support must work in coordination with a national welfare system that is strong enough to act as a lifeline to anyone struggling to afford the essentials. 

“This pandemic has shown the unexpected can hit us suddenly with devastating consequences for people’s lives. But it’s also shown we can make huge changes to the way we live and look after each other. It’s shown that when we come together to push for change the Government responds. Together, we can build a hunger-free future.” 

The Trussell Trust is concerned that food banks in its network may see high levels of need over the winter and beyond.

It is asking anyone who wants to “end the injustice of people needing food banks” to join the campaign for a Hunger Free Future at trusselltrust.org/hungerfreefuture.