Jo Platt – the MP for Leigh and Atherton – met up with Trussell in Parliament to discuss the current need for food banks in Leigh and Atherton.

During the event, it was revealed that the total number of food parcels provided across the UK – between April-September 2024 – is 67,000 fewer when compared to the same period last year. This represents a 4% decrease.

Trussell says there are a number of possible reasons for this recent small dip, such as the gradual slowdown in the extortionate price hikes we experienced on food and bills in recent years, and an end to the Local Housing Allowance freeze in April – which brought support for private renters back in line with local rents.

Jo Platt MP said: “I met with with Trussell to learn more about the latest picture of food bank need across the UK – particularly in my constituency of Leigh and Atherton.

“Whilst there has been a slight dip in need – which is a reassuring sign – I know that thousands of people in Leigh and Atherton are still struggling to make ends meet.

“Thanks to Trussell, there are families going to bed with full tummies that would otherwise go hungry.

“I hope we do see a major drop when it comes to foodbank use over the coming months and years, but at present, food banks remain a lifeline for many.”

Emma Revie, Chief Executive of Trussell, added: “The sheer numbers of people still facing hunger and hardship across the UK is heartbreaking. This cannot go on and we refuse to stand by while so many of us are pushed to the brink, left without enough money to live on.

“Our food banks are a lifeline, offering a warm welcome and space to be heard. They need everyone to play their part to move us towards ending the need for emergency food in the UK. You can help make sure food banks can continue to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice this winter by volunteering, donating, fundraising or campaigning to help end hunger in the UK.

“Meanwhile, alongside our community of food banks campaigning today in Westminster, we will continue to call for change. The UK Government was elected with a manifesto pledge to end the need for emergency food and the time to act is now.  There have been promising steps, but we need a clearer plan with more decisive action to invest in our social security system, if we are to end hunger once and for all.”