The Trussel Trust have unveiled new worrying numbers of people in Scotland requiring help and support from a food bank over winter.
More than 59,000 emergency food parcels total were issued across the country last year, between December 2024 and February 2025, with over 19,000 of these issued to children.
There has been a concerning increase in the help given by food banks to people aged 65+, where during the last cold season, people aged 65+ were given over 19,000 of these food parcels. This is nearly double the level of help compared to the same period of the year five years ago.
Last year, more than 5,400 families went to a Trussell food bank in the country for the first time, and the Trussell estimates that a repeated need for aid will once again come around this year, most likely for some families for the first time.
Also, last year, Trussell food banks in Scotland gave emergency food to one person every two minutes in average. During the coldest period of the year in 2025/26 as costs for necessities rise, more and more families will be forced to require aid.
Food banks play a crucial role in ensuring many families can live comfortably through the winter, but worryingly, nearly 60 per cent of Trussell’s food banks across the UK in its’ entirety have said that this winter season feels particularly more difficult than in previous years, therefore increasing the need for donations from the public than ever before.
It has been estimated that food banks in Scotland spent £205,000 during the last winter season, on food alone, as donations were not enough to keep up with the high levels of need.
“Too many people will struggle”
Sanjeev Kohli, Still Games star and Trussell supporter, said: “Finport & Craiglang might be fictional, but in very real communities the length and breadth of our country, too many people will struggle to afford the essentials this winter and will have no choice but to turn to their local food bank for support.
“No one should have to face our bitterly cold months worrying about whether to heat their home or have a hot meal, but so many people sadly will. No one should be forced to a food bank because they don’t have enough money to live on.
“Winter is often the busiest time for food banks, but when you walk through their doors you’re met with such warmth and care. I’ve witnessed first-hand the relief that food banks provide to people facing hardship and it’s a reminder of the compassion and dignity that brings our communities together, even in the toughest of times.
“It breaks my heart that so many people will be forced to turn to a food bank to support themselves or their families this winter, that’s why I’d ask all of you to get down to your version of Navid’s and fill your basket with items for your local food bank. You can also support Trussell’s winter appeal by making a donation through their website.”
Lynsey, a mum from Fife who was forced to turn to a food bank after her relationship broke down, said:
“I was working full-time but my world collapsed when my partner left. It meant I had to leave my job to care for the children, and not long after I was also registered disabled. I have five children and after I became ill, I reached a point where I was completely overwhelmed. I was nervous when I first went to the food bank. I was worried I’d be judged but this wasn’t the case at all. The staff and volunteers were so welcoming and reminded me that keeping my children happy and fed was what mattered most. They provided us with emergency food when we couldn’t afford the essentials and I couldn’t be more grateful.
“Life is still tough and this winter will be a struggle once again with extra costs, like heating and energy bills. Thankfully, it’s such a relief to know that the food bank will be there to support my family. I don’t know what I’d do without them.”
“We’re asking for the support of our whole community”
Cara Hilton, Trussell’s senior public affairs manager in Scotland, said: “Christmas should be a time of joy and celebration, but too many people in Scotland 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. Essentials like food on the table, a warm home and toiletries become a luxury many people simply cannot afford as people will be forced to make impossible decisions like whether to eat or heat their homes this winter.
“As the coldest months draw in, food banks need your help now more than ever. If you are in a position to help, you can make sure food banks are there for everyone who needs their support this winter by donating to Trussell’s winter appeal. Food banks are a lifeline, but they shouldn’t have to exist. This winter, will you help end hunger for someone today, and play your part in ending hunger for good?
Lori Hughes, project manager at Perth and Kinross Foodbank, said: “We’re preparing for another very tough winter, and we’re asking for the support of our whole community so we can continue to be here for people facing hunger and hardship. Every week we see working families, carers, pensioners, and people just doing their very best to get by – and it shouldn’t be this way.
“This winter, we expect to distribute almost 2,500 emergency food parcels, and this means we’ll need over 24 tonnes of food to be donated to meet need. To put that in perspective, that’s the weight of 46 adult male polar bears.
“Food banks are not the answer, but right now they’re a lifeline. Donations are down, while need remains consistently high. When people’s cupboards are empty, our shelves must be full – and that is becoming harder to sustain. If you’re able to support us, whether through food, money, or time, it will make a real and immediate difference this winter.”
To support, please visit the Trusell Website.
Featured image credit: cottonbro studio on Pexels
