More and more people are being forced to use food banks because they cannot afford the basics in life. Last year, food banks in the Trussell Trusts network provided 1.6 million three-day emergency food parcels to people in crisis, with over 500,000 of these going to children. This was an increase of almost 20% on the previous year.

Now, as the Coronavirus pandemic develops, its likely that increasing numbers of people will need support from their local food bank. As food bank staff and volunteers work to source and distribute food to people who need support, their resources are becoming increasingly stretched as they come under additional pressure.

Were working closely with our network of over 1,200 food banks to work out how we can best support each food bank in the coming months to make sure that they're able to continue to help people in crisis in their local communities.

As an organisation, the Trussell Trust is currently focusing all our efforts on supporting our network of food banks to continue their essential community services during this unprecedented time. Were working with each food bank to understand their situation, offer practical guidance and provide local and national solutions. Were exploring how we can ensure that people in crisis can access support in the coming weeks, food reaches the places its most needed, and that volunteer numbers are boosted to offset areas where volunteers might be self-isolating.