Foodbank parcels double in Wrexham and Flintshire in 6 years

Figures released from the Trussell Trust today (May 15), detail the increase in demand for food parcels across the country. 

Between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, food banks in the Trussell Trust’s UK-wide network distributed more than 3.1 million emergency food parcels to people facing hardship – this is an increase of 94% over the past five years. 

More than 1.1 million of these parcels were distributed for children.

During the last six years, there has been a huge increase in the number of food parcels distributed in Wrexham and Flintshire. 

Between April 1, 2017 and March 31, 2018, in Wrexham, 4,278 food parcels were handed out, 2,977 to adults and 1,301 to children. 

While in Flintshire, 3,693 were handed out to adults and 2,603 to children, totalling 6,293. 

Altogether that equates to 10,571 food parcels being distributed during that period. 

Flintshire foodbank

Between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, Wrexham foodbank handed out a total of 10,524 parcels, with 6,923 going to adults and 3,601 to children. 

While Flintshire foodbank distributed a total of 12,238 food parcels with 7,297 going to adults and 4,941 to children. 

That works out as a total of 23,762 food parcels handed out during that time frame.

In those six years the number of food parcels distributed in Wrexham and Flintshire has risen by 13,191. 

The significant increases in need seen over the last few years are linked to the soaring cost of living for people across Wales and the fact that people’s incomes have failed to keep up with these costs.

Inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) started at 8.7% in April 2023 and remained higher than 4% for much of the year until falling to 3.2% in March 2024.

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The cost of the essentials has continued to rise in this period. Food inflation was at 19% in April 2023 and remained above 10% for much of the year until falling to 4% as of March 2024.

While it is welcome that inflation is slowing, the continued high inflation in the cost of essentials, particularly food, continues to make it harder for families to make ends meet. 

Trussell Trust Chief Executive Emma Revie said: “It’s 2024 and we’re facing historically high levels of food bank need. As a society, we cannot allow this to continue. We must not let food banks become the new norm. As we approach the next UK general election, we urgently need all political leaders to set out how they will build a future where no one needs a food bank to survive. Voters want to see a change and we need cross-government action at all levels to deliver it. We know what’s pushing people to food banks, so we know what needs to change.

"A supportive social security system is the bedrock on which we end hunger for good. Building on this, we need much more effective employment and financial support for parents, carers and disabled people, and action to ensure everyone can have the security we all need to access opportunities and have hope for the future, through more secure and flexible jobs and investment in social housing.

"Food banks are not the answer. They will be there to support people as long as they are needed, but our political leaders must take bold action to build a future where everyone has enough money to afford the life’s essentials. The time to act is now."