Trussell Trust given much needed funding to support ongoing food bank crisis

A grant of £100,000 from Benefact Trust was awarded to anti-poverty charity Trussell Trust’s food banks as more households struggle to afford essentials.

The Trussell Trust supports over 1,300 food bank centres across the UK, but as the cost of living crisis worsens, demand for food banks is outstripping food donations.

A 2023 survey reported that one in three food banks were concerned about being able to continue running at their current level as this demand grows.

With the support of Benefact Trust, the Trussell Trust is working to change things by making sure that food banks can keep their doors open, and by driving change in communities so people are less likely to need food banks in the future.

While it’s essential to keep food banks up and running, the Trussell Trust also knows how important advice and support is to people in crisis, helping them to tackle issues that force them to need a food bank in the first place.

Benefact Trust’s grant means the Trussell Trust may be able to provide programmes like:

• Crisis support grants to nine food banks, giving them support through the busiest year yet.
• Advice to more than 750 people in the form of free, tailored and specific counsel through the national Help through Hardship Helpline.
• Delivery of support that helps to secure £450,000 in extra income for people facing poverty and a total of over £2 million over the next five years.

Why are so many people visiting food banks?

Turning to food banks is a last resort for many, but the reasons vary:

• 20% of people referred are in working households, but their incomes are too low.
• Those with health conditions or relatives to care for aren’t getting the help they need
• The basic rate of universal credit is at it’s lowest in 40 years, and doesn’t help cover essentials

Paul Playford, senior grants and operations officer for Benefact Trust, said: “This year many families will face extreme hardships as the cost of living continues to soar. As people become more dependent on the generosity of food banks, we want to support these centres so that they can continue to provide a lifeline to those who are struggling to afford the essentials.

“We’re delighted to partner with the Trussell Trust through our Crisis Response Grants Programme to not only provide funding to food banks, but to help the charity tackle the root of the problem and deliver advice and support to people facing poverty.”

Help with essential costs

While this is positive news, it won’t have an immediate effect. If you’re struggling right now, there are a few ways we may be able to help. We can check you’re claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to and offer support with budgeting. We also provide free expert advice if you’re no longer able to keep up with repayments on loans, credit cards, overdrafts etc. There are a number of ways you can get in touch.

You can also check whether you’re entitled to any grants. Enter your details in the Turn2us grant checker and see if there are any you can apply for.

Your local council may have a welfare assistance scheme to help if you need emergency cash or supplies. The support available varies from council to council, but you may be able to get a small loan, a grant, food vouchers or free second-hand furniture, depending on your situation.

England: Get in touch with your local council.

Scotland: Find out if you can apply for a crisis grant or a community care grant through the Scottish welfare fund.

Wales: You might be able to apply for help through the discretionary assistance fund.

Northern Ireland: You may be able to apply for help through the Finance Support Service.

 Household support fund has been extended

 All local councils in England have been given money as part of a government scheme called the household support fund. This money has been set aside to help people struggling with the rising cost of living. Each council decides how best to spend that money, but it’s there to help with essentials such as:

• gas and electricity
• broadband and phone bills
• clothing
• essential transport costs such as repairing a car or paying for fuel
• furniture e.g. children’s beds

 

Get in touch with your local council to find out what support is available in your area. This scheme was due to end in March, but has been extended for another six months.