Emergency food parcels in Wales top 170,000 as child hunger rises
Trussell Trust warns of 'wake-up call' for government as 60,000 parcels go to children
MORE than 170,000 emergency food parcels were distributed across Wales last year by food banks in the Trussell Trust network—equivalent to one every three minutes. The charity says the scale of demand is a damning indictment of a broken welfare system and is calling on both the Welsh and UK governments to act urgently.
Of the 171,673 parcels issued between April 2024 and March 2025, over 60,000 were for children. That figure—60,158—represents a 16% increase in child food parcels compared to five years ago.
While the total number of parcels issued in Wales has fallen slightly—down 9% from the previous year—the Trussell Trust says need remains 'persistently high' and warns that the situation for families is worsening. The number of parcels going to households with children has risen by 19% since 2019/20, with a notable 8% increase for children under five.
Many food banks are now reporting 'heartbreaking' levels of hardship. Some parents are skipping meals to feed their children, while others are opening food parcels and eating immediately upon receiving them.
Andrew Butcher from Taff Ely Foodbank said: 'We are witnessing a significant and growing number of individuals and families turning to our food bank for support—all struggling to afford the essentials. Sadly, food donations are not keeping pace with this increasing demand.
'No one should have to rely on charity to eat. While we remain committed to pushing for systemic change to eliminate the need for food banks altogether, community support remains vital.'
According to Trussell, over 420,000 people in Wales now face hunger and hardship. Disabled people remain disproportionately affected: three in four households referred to Trussell food banks report having at least one disabled member.
The charity is urging the next Welsh Government to commit to ending the need for emergency food as part of a wider anti-poverty strategy. This includes investment in affordable housing, improved access to employment and childcare, and a 'cash-first' approach to financial crises.
Trussell is also calling on the UK Government to update Universal Credit to ensure all households can meet basic living costs. It has criticised proposals to cut disability benefits, warning such changes could push even more people into hardship.
Jo Harry, Trussell Trust's Network Lead in Wales, said: 'Thousands of children, families, disabled people, and older people across Wales relied on emergency food in the past year. A generation has now grown up seeing food bank use as normal.
'With Welsh elections less than a year away, all political parties must take a stand and commit to reducing the need for food banks.
'Ending hunger must be a priority if we want to improve public services, grow the economy, and build a better Wales.'
Members of the public can support local food banks by donating food or funds. To find out how many food parcels were distributed in your area, visit: campaign.trussell.org.uk/parcels-by-postcode
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