Nearly one in four working families rely on food banks

New research shows that many working parents are still struggling to afford food for their families. Even with a paid job, thousands of parents are turning to food banks for support.

A survey by the Felix Project, London’s largest food redistribution charity, found that 23% of working parents have used a food bank in the past year.

The survey included 4,000 parents with at least one child aged 16 or under.

What the survey found

• 23% of working parents have used a food support service in the last year
• 10% used one for the first time
• 13% have been relying on support for over a year
• 1 in 4 parents use food support every one or two weeks
• 10% have had to send their children to bed hungry at least once a week
• 9% have sent their children to school hungry at least once a week
• 67% worry their children know the family is struggling financially

Rachel Ledwith, Head of Community at The Felix Project, said: “This is a stark picture; to have the proof that children are going to bed hungry on a weekly basis is heart-breaking and to know that without foodbanks so many working people would go hungry demonstrates the need we are facing across every part of society.”  

Rising demand this winter

Trussell has also warned that food bank use is expected to rise sharply over the winter.

• last winter, 68,000 families turned to a Trussell food bank for the first time
• the charity expects a similar rise this year
• food banks are preparing to hand out one emergency parcel every 10 seconds

1 in 3 food parcels go to children

Between December 2024 and February 2025, Trussell food banks provided:

• 740,000 emergency food parcels, a 40% increase from 2019-20
• 266,000 parcels for children, one in every three

How to access a food bank

If you or someone you know needs support, here’s how to access a food bank:

Get a referral

You’ll usually need a referral from a local organisation, such as:

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

They’ll assess your situation and give you a food bank voucher.

The voucher may be given to you physically or via email.

Check the details

Look over the voucher to see if it includes any specific instructions or expiry dates.

Find your nearest food bank

The referral agency will tell you where to go. You can also visit the Trussell website to find a food bank near you.

 You can find out more about how a food bank can help you by reading our guide.