Luton Foodbank handed out 1,663 in October which represents an approximate 19% rise in demand, indicating a significant increase in the number of people needing food support. With the winter months approaching, demand is expected to remain high as households face additional pressures from rising living costs and colder weather. In October alone, these parcels helped 1,147 adults and 516 children, highlighting the scale of support provided to vulnerable families in the community.

In a major change, the UK Government has now committed to scrapping the two-child cap, a move expected to take effect from April next year.

This decision offers real hope. By removing the cap, the government anticipates lifting many children out of poverty and helping to prevent future hardship for countless families.

However, national policy change doesn’t automatically solve everything. Here in Luton, we know many families are facing severe financial pressure right now, struggling to put food on the table, worried about rising costs this winter, and unsure where support will come from day to day.

That’s why our local mission remains urgent and ongoing: to provide immediate food support and practical help to families in need. While the policy shift is a vital step forward, it will take time before its impact is fully felt and there are people in Luton who simply cannot wait.