Southend Foodbank Meets Local MPs to Urge Action on Universal Credit Ahead of Crucial Vote

Ahead of a critical parliamentary vote on proposed cuts to health and disability benefits, Southend Foodbank representatives Cass Francis and Jemma Walsh travelled to Westminster to meet Southend’s MPs, David Burton-Sampson and Bayo Alaba, during Trussell’s national Lobby Day.

While in Parliament, Cass and Jemma discussed the growing hardships faced by people on the lowest incomes and urged both MPs to support the Guarantee Our Essentials campaign, led by Trussell and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF).

At the heart of the campaign is a call for an independent review to determine the true cost of covering life’s essentials in the UK today. 

Currently, the basic rate of Universal Credit has no link to actual living costs (excluding rent and council tax) and falls far short of what people need to survive. 

The cross-party Work and Pensions Committee found that, even with recent increases, we are spending the same amount on benefits for working-aged people as we were in 2007.

Cass and Jemma urged MPs to advocate for increasing the basic rate of Universal Credit to £120 per week for a single adult and £205 per week for a couple. While upcoming changes in the Benefits Reform Bill promise incremental increases to Universal Credit, these won’t be fully implemented until 2029/30 and will still lack any tie to the actual cost of living.

They also raised concerns about deductions from Universal Credit payments, highlighting the importance of a Minimum Income Floor - a limit on how much the government can deduct from payments. While the maximum deduction rate has recently been reduced from 25% to 15%, Southend Foodbank supports going further, again in line with evidence from an independent review.

In response to the upcoming second reading in parliament for the UC & PIP Bill, Cass Francis, Comms & Campaigns Coordinator at Southend Foodbank, told That's Food and Drink: “It was a real privilege to speak face to face with both of Southend’s MPs and to hear their thoughts on the Essentials Guarantee. No one should be forced to go without the basics they need to survive. Universal Credit must reflect the true cost of living.

“As you can imagine, we at the Foodbank, Trussell, JRF and many other organisations are extremely concerned about the proposed £5 billion in welfare cuts aimed at the benefits received by people with disabilities. We are urging everyone to write or email their MP and ask them to vote against these reforms.

“Trussell’s analysis shows that 440,000 disabled people and their families will be forced into severe hardship by the proposed cuts, which will be devastating for them, and push many more people to the doors of food banks like ours.”

Near 40,000 emergency food parcels provided across Bristol and South Glos as need remains high

38,700 emergency food parcels provided to people facing hunger by Bristol and South Glos Foodbanks in the past 12 months.

Worryingly over 14,400 of the parcels were provided for children in the last year.

This come as new annual figures from Trussell show that 2,885,086 food parcels were given out across the UK.

Anti-poverty charity Trussell, says this must be a 'wake-up call’ for our UK government to strengthen the social security system and re-think cuts to welfare that risk forcing more people to rely on food banks.

Over 38,700 emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship between April 2024 and March 2025, with 14,400 of these provided for children, according to new figures from North Bristol & South Glos Foodbank released today.

The three Trussell food banks operating across Bristol and South Gloucestershire have together seen a 4% slight decrease in the number of emergency food parcels distributed compared to last year. Despite this slight dip, the area has seen persistently high levels of food bank need over the last five years, and a 62% increase when compared with the same period in 2019 - 2020.

Ellen Wood, Manager of North Bristol & South Glos Foodbank, Told That's Food and Drink: “We've seen a slight dip in food parcels this year, which shows our collective efforts are making a difference. 

"But many people across Bristol and South Glos still face hunger. Behind these numbers are real people - parents who have to skip meals so their children can eat, elderly people in cold homes, and working families who can't stretch their wages far enough.

"We're actively developing access to advice and services that will help people move away from needing emergency food, but we're concerned that upcoming changes to disabled benefits will increase pressure on food banks and reverse our progress. We need both immediate community support through donations and long-term policy changes that ensure everyone has enough money for life's essentials.”

NBSG Foodbank is part of the Trussell community of food banks, which has reported persistently high levels of need in the last year with nearly 3 million (2,885,086) emergency food parcels provided to people facing hardship across the UK between April 2024 and March 2025. Over a million of these parcels were provided for children.

NBSG Foodbank believes everybody should have enough money in their pockets to put food on the table and is calling on the community to play their part to help end the need for emergency food in the UK. 

Until then, the public can help make sure NBSG Foodbank continues to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice in the year ahead by donating food or funds at nbsg.foodbank.org.uk.

Emma Revie, Trussell's CEO, added: “Far too many children, families, disabled people, working people, and elderly people from across Bristol and South Glos needed to access food banks for emergency food in the past year. This should be a wake-up call to government and a stark reminder of their responsibilities to the people of Bristol and South Glos.

“A whole generation has now grown up in Bristol and South Glos where sustained high levels of food bank need feels like the norm. The community has teachers, doctors, and healthcare professionals now routinely referring people to food banks as part of their day-to-day jobs, showing how emergency food has sadly become a fixture. If you can, please play your part and help change this.”

Visit nbsg.foodbank.org.uk to find out how you can help today.

You can find out how many emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship in your local area on the Trussell website: nbsg.foodbank.org.uk/postcode

Nearly 20k emergency food parcels provided to people facing hunger by Southend Foodbank in the past 12 months

Stock footage

18,854 emergency food parcels provided to people facing hunger by Southend Foodbank in the past 12 months  

Alarmingly over 7,000 of the parcels were provided for children in the last year

The Foodbank has had to spend £145,000 on topping up food donations

This announcement comes as new annual figures from Trussell show that 2,885,086 food parcels were given out across the UK.

Anti-poverty charity Trussell, says this should be a 'wake-up call’ for the UK government to strengthen the social security system and re-think cuts to welfare that risk forcing more people to rely on food banks

Nearly 19,000 emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship between April 2024 and March 2025, with 7,263 of these provided for children, according to new figures Southend Foodbank released today.

Southend Foodbank has seen a slight reduction of 8% in the number of emergency food parcels distributed compared to last year. 

However, despite this slight dip, the area the Foodbank covers across Southend City and Rochford has seen persistently high levels of need over the past five years, which is an overall increase of 188% on the figures from 5 years ago.

Cass Francis, Comms & Campaigns Coordinator at Southend Foodbank told That's Food and Drink: “We are pleased the initiatives we’ve put in place in the last few years, such as Citizens Advice Advisors in most of our distribution sessions, have helped our guests maximise the support they are able to receive. 

"While these new figures seem like a moment of good news, with a small decrease in the amount of food parcels we’ve given out, they are still indicative of the continuing high level of financial insecurity in Southend and Rochford that bring people to the doors of our food bank.

“Five years ago, the food parcels we gave out were almost entirely made up of donations from the public, but as the need for emergency food has increased we had to start buying provisions each month – and in the past year we have had to spend £145,072 just to make sure we can keep up with the need we see in our community.”

Southend Foodbank is part of the Trussell community of food banks, which has reported persistently high levels of need in the last year, with nearly 3 million (2,885,086) emergency food parcels provided to people facing hardship across the UK between April 2024 and March 2025. Over a million of these parcels were provided for children.

Southend Foodbank believes everybody should have enough money in their pockets to put food on the table and is calling on the community to play their part to help end the need for emergency food in the UK.

Until then, the public can help make sure Southend Foodbank continues to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice in the year ahead by donating food or funds at southend.foodbank.org.uk

Emma Revie, CEO at Trussell, said: “Far too many children, families, disabled people, working people, and elderly people from across Southend needed to access food banks for emergency food in the past year. This should be a wake-up call to government and a stark reminder of their responsibilities to the people of Southend.

“A whole generation has now grown up in Southend and Rochford where sustained high levels of food bank need feel like the norm. The community has teachers, doctors, and healthcare professionals now routinely referring people to food banks as part of their day to day jobs, showing how emergency food has sadly become a fixture. If you can, please play your part and help change this.”

There Is No Shame in Using a Foodbank — And Here’s How You Can Pay It Forward Too

Times are tough for a lot of people right now. With the cost of living crisis, rising bills, and unexpected expenses around every corner, more and more people are turning to foodbanks for support. And let’s be absolutely clear about this: there is no shame in using a foodbank.

You're Not Alone — And You're Not Failing

The idea that asking for help is something to be embarrassed about is outdated and harmful. 

Everyone needs support sometimes. Using a foodbank doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it means you’re doing what you need to do to take care of yourself or your family.

You wouldn’t think twice about using the NHS when you’re unwell. So why feel any different about using a foodbank when you need a bit of extra help putting meals on the table? These resources exist because no one should have to go hungry, ever.

Foodbanks Are for Everyone in Need — Including You

The reality is, many people who use foodbanks are working — sometimes full-time — but still struggling to make ends meet. It’s not about laziness or poor choices. It’s about a system that often doesn’t leave enough breathing room.

If you’ve had to choose between heating your home and feeding yourself, or if your wages aren’t stretching as far as they used to, you’re not alone. Foodbanks are there to fill that gap — no judgement, just support.

Dignity, Not Charity

Modern foodbanks are built around dignity. They aim to offer not just food, but kindness, a listening ear, and often signposting to additional help. It’s not just about giving out tins and pasta — it’s about lifting people up.

If you’re feeling anxious about going to a foodbank, remember this: the people running them care deeply. They understand. They’re there because they want to help, not to judge.

Paying It Forward — Even While You're Still Struggling

You might be thinking, “I hate taking without being able to give back.” That’s a completely human feeling — but let’s reframe it. There are ways to pay it forward, even if you’re still working through your own challenges:

Share your story, if you feel comfortable – speaking openly (even anonymously) helps remove the stigma and shows others they’re not alone.

Offer your time – when you’re in a better place, consider volunteering. Foodbanks always need hands and hearts.

Donate later – if you can't give now, maybe in the future you’ll be in a position to pop a couple of items in a donation bin or support a fundraiser.

Support others emotionally – a kind word online or in your community to someone who’s struggling can make a world of difference.

A Community That Lifts Each Other Up

Foodbanks aren’t about charity. They’re about community. They’re about not letting anyone fall through the cracks. And one day, if and when you're in a position to give back, you’ll do it with understanding and compassion — because you’ve been there, and you know.

So if times are tight, take the help. That’s what it’s there for. You don’t need to explain, apologise or feel bad. There’s no shame — just people helping people. And that’s something truly powerful.

How can you find out about foodbanks that can help you or who you could help in the future? Here's a list:-

United Kingdom

1. The Trussell Trust

The largest foodbank network in the UK, operating over 1,300 centres. They provide emergency food parcels and support services.

Find a Trussell Trust foodbank near you​

foodaidnetwork.org.uk

2. Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN)

A network of over 550 independent foodbanks across the UK, offering a range of food aid services.

aidnetwork.org.uk

3. The Salvation Army

Operates foodbanks and provides food parcels through many of its churches and community centres.

https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/foodbanks

4. FareShare

Distributes surplus food to charities and community groups, including foodbanks and community kitchens.

Learn more about FareShare's food support​

https://fareshare.org.uk/getting-food/food-service-for-individuals/

5. Local Council Services

Many local councils provide information on foodbanks and food support services in their areas.

Ireland (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland)

1. FoodCloud (Community FoodLink)

Connects businesses with surplus food to charities and community groups, including foodbanks.

Explore FoodCloud's Community FoodLink​

https://food.cloud/community-foodlink

2. Crosscare

Based in Dublin, Crosscare operates foodbanks and distributes food to various charities across Ireland.

Learn more about Crosscare​

https://www.centreforglobaleducation.com/food-bank-ireland

3. Simon Communities of Ireland

Provides support to individuals experiencing homelessness, including food services.

🔗 Find services through Simon Communities​

https://www.simon.ie/our-network-of-communities/

4. Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP)

Offers a range of support services, including food assistance, across Ireland.

Access SVP's services​

https://www.svp.ie/

UK’s biggest food collection calls for volunteers to support charities

With food banks and charities facing increasing levels of need this wintertime, people are being urged to give the gift of their time to take part in the UK’s biggest food donation drive.

The Tesco Food Collection is taking place in all Tesco stores from November 30th to December 2nd and the Trussell Trust and FareShare are urging volunteers to sign-up to support the event in store. 

It comes as both charities face their busiest winter yet as more people turn to them for support. The Trussell Trust, which has the largest foodbank network in the UK, is expecting to distribute more than 1 million emergency food parcels between December and February, while FareShare has over 1,500 frontline charities on its waiting list seeking food.

During the collection Tesco customers are to be encouraged to donate long-life food to support the charities in their work. Donations for the Trussell Trust will help its network of food banks provide emergency food parcels to people who cannot afford the essentials, while donations to FareShare will get food to its network of 8,500 local charities and community groups.  

Tesco is calling on volunteers to staff collection points to raise awareness of the impact every donation will have on people across the UK, who rely on Trussell Trust and FareShare for food.

Donations are needed now more than ever, with one in five Trussell Trust food parcels coming from Tesco and its customers. 

Trussell Trust Chief Executive Emma Revie said: “This winter is going to be the toughest yet for the food banks in our network as they will help approximately 600,000 people and provide an emergency parcel every eight seconds. The teams in our food banks are working tirelessly to ensure everyone receives the support they need but they cannot do it alone. 

"By volunteering at the Tesco Winter Food Collection you will not only be helping to gather much-needed donations to keep your local food bank going, you’ll also be making a real difference to families who cannot afford the essentials in your community. If you can spare a few hours to volunteer then please do.”

George Wright, chief executive at FareShare added: “We anticipate need will keep rising as people continue to struggle to afford the essentials like food and heating this winter. Tesco’s support for FareShare throughout the cost of living crisis, and the last 11 years, has been unwavering, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support in helping drive more donations during what will be a difficult winter for many.

“Volunteers play a huge role in the success of the Tesco Food Collection each year. By giving up just three hours of your time, you can make a huge impact by helping more people understand the importance If donating food to FareShare during this increasingly difficult time.”

Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “Every year our Winter Food Collection gets such an amazing response from our customers. We know that they give even more generously when we have volunteers in our stores helping them to choose the right items that are needed so we would urge anyone who can to please sign up and help make a difference.” 

You can sign up to volunteer with FareShare at https://fareshare.org.uk/foodcollection/ or with the Trussell Trust at https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-involved/tesco-food-collection/volunteer/ 

Tesco makes food bank donations a little easier for customers

Food banks and charities see demand rise during the summer months. And Tesco is helping its customers make donations to food banks by selling Food bank donation bags in 300 Tesco stores.

The bags are pre-filled with items that are most needed by families.

The donation bags, which customers can pick up as they enter the store, will contain the items most needed by foodbanks and charities, likes pasta, pulses and pasta sauce and will typically cost around £3.50.

The bags make it a quick and easy way for shoppers to give a helping hand to food banks and charities feeding people in their local communities this summer. 

Last year, the total amount of food donated by Tesco shoppers to the Trussell Trust and FareShare was the equivalent of 12.5 million meals.

The donation bags will be available in Tesco stores until Sunday September 3, alongside every Tesco store’s permanent collection point where customers can donate long life food items all year round. 

Over the summer, customers can also round up their bill to the nearest pound at the checkout to make it even easier to offer financial support to those who are in need. This will be available to 6th August and 28th August to 3rd September.

Tesco Head of Community Claire de Silva said: “We’re very proud of our partnerships with FareShare and the Trussell Trust and we are keen to continue to find ways to help them. With more people using food banks we wanted to make donating as easy as possible for customers who want to support their local community. The donation bags will be available throughout the summer holidays so it allows a real focus on families and children who need support.”

Polly Hoffman, Head of Retail at FareShare, said: “The need for FareShare food has been rising quickly as a result of the cost of living crisis, and will continue to do so throughout the summer holidays when more families rely on these vital local services to feed themselves and their loved ones.

“At a time when millions of people are going hungry across the UK, the donations we receive from generous Tesco customers is really vital for the charities and community groups we provide food to.  That’s why we’re thrilled Tesco is making it even easier for people to support FareShare by introducing donation bags in store this summer.”

Emma Revie, CEO at the Trussell Trust, added: “We're extremely grateful to Tesco for again providing innovative new ways for their customers to support our network of more than 1,300 food bank centres. Over the last year, food banks have faced record levels of need and, while donations have increased by 18%, our network distributed 37% more emergency food parcels than in 2021/2022. 

“The generosity of Tesco and its customers plays a vital role in ensuring that food banks can continue to support people who cannot afford the essentials, as we continue working towards our vision of ending the need for food banks.”

(EDITOR: Other supermarkets such as Morrisons also offer food bank bag donation points in their stores.)

Trussell Trust releases food bank figures

New annual figures from the Trussell Trust show nearly 3 million (2,986,203) food parcels were distributed, that's more than ever before and over a million of the parcels were provided for children.

The number of parcels provided between April 2022 – March 2023 is more than double the amount distributed by food banks in the same period five years previously.

The Trussell Trust has issued a call for a stronger social security system that ensures families can at least cover life’s essentials, such as food, heating, and clothing.

New figures released by the Trussell Trust reveal almost 3 million (2,986,203) emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship between April 2022 and March 2023, with over a million of these parcels provided for children.

This is the most parcels food banks in the charity’s UK-wide network have ever distributed in a single year and represents a staggering 37% increase compared to last year.  

The annual statistics also show an increasing number of people are struggling to afford the essentials, over 760,000 people used a food bank in the Trussell Trust network for the first time. This is more than the population of Sheffield and a 38% increase in people who have needed support for the first time, compared to the same period last year.  

The levels of need were particularly acute in the winter, and December 2022 was the busiest month on record for the network, with a parcel being distributed by staff and volunteers across the country every eight seconds.   

 Brian Thomas, Chief Executive at South Tyneside Foodbank, said: “We are experiencing an unprecedented rise in the number of people coming to the food bank, particularly employed people who are no longer able to balance a low income against rising living costs. 

"We’re also seeing a really high number of families needing support as people struggle to afford the essentials. Food donation levels are not keeping up with the significant increase in need and this is putting us under a lot of strain, it’s a real pressure cooker situation for food banks.”  

Speaking about the rising need for emergency food, Emma Revie, Chief Executive at the Trussell Trust, pointed out: “These new statistics are extremely concerning and show an increasing number of people are being left with no option but to turn to charitable, volunteer-run organisations to get by and this is not right.

The continued increase in parcel numbers over the last five years indicates it's ongoing low levels of income and a social security system that isn’t fit for purpose that are forcing more people to need food banks, rather than just the recent cost of living crisis or the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“Food banks were created to provide short-term support to people in an emergency, they are not a lasting solution to hunger and poverty, and over three quarters of the UK population agree with us that they should not need to exist.  

“The staff and volunteers in our network work tirelessly to ensure help continues to be available, but the current situation is not one they can solve alone. 

“For too long people have been going without because social security payments don't reflect life’s essential costs and people are being pushed deeper into hardship as a result. If we are to stop this continued growth and end the need for food banks then the UK government must ensure that the standard allowance of Universal Credit is always enough to cover essential costs.” 

John, 35, has had to use a food bank when he lost his home and his job and became homeless, said: “When I was homeless, food banks saved me. They provided me with food, shower gels and other necessities I couldn’t afford. But it also gave me somewhere to go for a chat or to see someone. The kindness I was shown there, has stuck with me.  

“I currently volunteer at my local food bank as a trustee, and I help run the food bank. I work three days a week.

“I wanted to pass on the kindness I was first shown when I needed a food bank. My experience has helped me to be better equipped to understand the tough situations some people are in when they need our food bank, and I can show empathy and understanding. But ultimately, food banks shouldn’t be needed in the first place, everyone should be able to afford to buy their own food and afford the essentials.” 

The Trussell Trust’s long-term goal to end the need for food banks is one that the general public agrees with. Polling by YouGov on behalf of the Trussell Trust suggests that the public are increasingly concerned with issues related to poverty and hunger in the UK.

The majority of the UK public (77%) thinks that food banks should not be needed in the UK, with a strong majority agreeing (93%) that everyone should be able to buy enough food for themselves and their family.  

To help ensure that everyone has the income they need to afford the essentials, the Trussell Trust is calling for the UK government to act now to strengthen our social security system.  

The charity has joined with Joseph Rowntree Foundation in urging the UK government to embed in law an ‘Essentials Guarantee’ that would make sure Universal Credit payments always, at a minimum, provide enough to the cover cost of essentials such as food, utilities and vital household goods. 

Research by the charities reveals the £85 weekly Universal Credit standard allowance is at least £35 less than the weekly cost of essential items for a single person, contributing to hundreds of thousands of people being forced to use food banks because they can’t make ends meet.  

 The Essentials Guarantee would be enshrined in law and set regularly, based on an independent recommendation, and would be the first time since the welfare state was created that social security rates were based on what people need, and how much those things actually cost.

The charities calculated that a list of essential items including water bills, gas and electric, travel expenses, food items such as bread, rice and vegetables, and hygiene and cleaning products like toothpaste and washing up liquid currently costs approximately £120 per week for a single person. 

https://www.trusselltrust.org