Overview

• The Trussell analysis draws on an Ipsos survey of nearly 4,000 adults referred to food banks in mid-2024.
• An estimated 3.8 million children live in food-insecure households, with 31% of under‑5s affected.
• The total facing hunger has risen from 11.6 million in 2022 to about 14.1 million, an increase of roughly 2.5 million people.
• Inequality is stark, with households in the most deprived areas three times likelier to face hunger and the North West recording the highest regional rate at about 26%.
• Trussell calls for ending the two‑child benefit cap and lifting the local housing allowance freeze, while the DWP cites extended free school meals, a £1bn crisis support package and a forthcoming child poverty strategy.