Money donated to UK food bank charities increased by more than 50% last year, according to new research, despite a similar number of people giving.
The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) found that people donated £973m to food banks in 2023, increasing from £635m in 2022.
It found the number of donors choosing to support food banks remained consistent year-on-year with 16% donating in the last four weeks.
However, the average donation to food banks increased from £22 to £32 last year.
Food banks received similar levels of support from all age groups and across all regions of the country, CAF states.
Costs increasing
Researchers used figures from YouGov, with information from 13,164 people in 2023 and 13,140 in 2022.
Some 49% of people said that the cost-of-living crisis made them more conscious of need in their local community and 36% said they were especially likely to donate to a charity tackling homelessness and food poverty at the moment.
Neil Heslop, chief executive of the CAF, said: “Food bank charities provide a safety net for the most vulnerable in our communities.
“But due to the cost-of-living crisis, their costs have increased, and they need more donations to pay rent and to keep the lights on. Unlike businesses, they cannot pass cost increases on to customers.
“Even when times are tough, it’s heart-warming to see how people respond generously to support charities around the UK providing for more and more families.
“For those who can’t afford to give more, volunteering your time or donating goods is also a crucial way to help charities.”
Related Articles
