Foyle Foodbank warns of urgent need for donations as winter demand outpaces supply

New figures from Trussell reveal a rise in the need for winter food parcels across Northern Ireland, compared to five years ago.  

Over 23,000 emergency food parcels were distributed overall last winter between December 2024 and February 2025 to people in Northern Ireland – a 74% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels five years ago.     

Nearly half of these parcels (almost 10,000) were provided for children – a 68% rise compared to five years ago, according to the data. 

There has been an alarming increase in the support provided for people aged 65 and over. Last winter, people aged 65 and over received more than 500 food parcels – nearly double (93% higher) the level of support compared to the same period five years ago.  

Alarmingly, last winter alone, over 2,700 families visited a Trussell food bank in Northern Ireland for the first time. As the country heads into the festive season, Trussell estimates that once again thousands of families will need to turn to a food bank for the first time.  

Last winter food banks in the Trussell community across Northern Ireland provided emergency food to someone every 5 and a half minutes. Over the coldest months this year, as the rising costs of essentials - like food, electricity and rent – push more families to the brink, we expect to see sustained high levels of need.  

Winter is consistently the busiest season for food banks, with need typically peaking due to colder temperatures and increased energy costs. At this time of year, food banks play a vital role in ensuring that people who cannot afford the essentials can still get by.  

But worryingly, over half (58%) of Trussell’s community of food banks across the UK say that preparing for this winter feels harder than ever, as levels of need continue to outpace donations.  Many food banks say they are at breaking point and having to purchase significant amounts of food just to keep up.  

Last winter alone, food banks in Northern Ireland spent an estimated £80,000 on food as donations struggled to keep up with high levels of need. That’s why Trussell is urging people to support them and their local food banks in any way possible – to help provide emergency food and advice for people facing hardship and play their part in ending hunger for good.    

Fiona Cole, Trussell’s public affairs manager for Northern Ireland, said: “Christmas should be a time of joy and celebration, but this winter too many people in Northern Ireland will be struggling just to get by. Thousands of families will be forced to turn to a food bank for the first time as they are left exhausted, isolated and without enough money to live on.      

“Food banks offer more than emergency food - they provide hope, dignity and relief to people facing hardship. They welcome people with warmth, offer connection over a cup of tea and give advice that makes it less likely people will need to turn to a food bank again. 

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“As the coldest months draw in, food banks need your help more than ever. If you are in a position to give, you can make sure food banks are there for everyone who needs support this festive season by donating to Trussell’s winter appeal.  

"Your support directly helps food banks meet urgent priorities - from buying food and essentials liker hot water bottles and blankets for people who can’t afford to heat their homes, to covering the rising costs of running a food bank. Thank you for standing with us and helping to ensure no one faces hunger alone this winter.”   

Bethany Moore, community campaigns coordinator at Foyle Foodbank, said: “Last year, we supported over 2,300 households in Foyle during the festive season. Every year, we see more families coming to us who are worried about how they will feed their children and afford the essentials. Christmas should be a time of joy for children, not stress and hardship for parents. That’s why our appeal is so important. Every single donation helps make Christmas a little better for families right across our community.   

“Food banks are not the answer, but right now, they’re a lifeline for thousands of people facing hunger and hardship. We’re determined to continue providing vital support this winter, but we urgently need donations or we might not be here next year. Donations are down, while costs are up. When people’s shelves are empty, our food banks can’t be.” 

To support, please visit trussell.org.uk. 

For interviews with Trussell spokespeople, food bank managers and where possible, people with lived experience of needing to turn to a food bank, email press@trussell.org.uk