Winter Crisis: Demand for Food Support Skyrockets by 61% 

The ‘local reality’ in Luton is one of rapidly escalating need. In November, Luton Foodbank distributed 2,684 parcels a staggering 61% increase from the 1,663 parcels handed out in October. This surge provided vital support to 1,840 adults and 844 children, nearly double the number of families helped just one month prior. As winter sets in, these figures highlight the mounting pressure on our community as households struggle to balance the rising cost of living with the basic necessity of food. 

While the UK Government’s new Child Poverty Strategy (published 5th December) aims to lift 550,000 children out of relative poverty by 2030, the immediate reality remains a struggle. National data indicates a food parcel is distributed every 10 seconds across the UK this winter. Locally, families in Luton must wait until April for benefit changes to take effect. Our mission remains urgent to bridge this “waiting gap”. 

 Luton is currently ranked as the 60th most deprived local authority in England. New data shows that 8.9% of Luton households are living in destitution, and 50.1% are living below the financial quality of lifeline. With 14% of our neighbourhoods classified as highly deprived well above the 10% national average your support is the only thing standing between local families and a winter of hunger.