Food banks 'in crisis' amid fears some may have to close
Food banks in Northern Ireland are facing a severe crisis as donations fail to keep pace with rising operational costs and inflation. Managers report that some organizations have only two months of running costs remaining, forcing them to reduce parcel sizes or risk closure. The Trussell Trust is urgently appealing for financial and food donations while calling for sustainable government funding to support these essential services.
- ▪Enniskillen Foodbank has enough funds for only two months of running costs, while West Belfast food banks have significantly reduced parcel sizes.
- ▪The Trussell Trust reports that 67,851 food parcels were distributed in Northern Ireland in 2025, including 26,459 for children.
- ▪Three food banks have contacted the Trussell Trust regarding stock and finance concerns, and six have issued emergency appeals on social media.
- ▪Rising energy costs and a general cost-of-living crisis are reducing the purchasing power of donations, making it harder for food banks to afford essentials.
- ▪The Trussell Trust emphasizes the need for sustainable funding and government support to prevent food banks from closing their doors.
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| Publication time | Thu, 24 Sep 2026 05:45:04 GMT |
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Food banks 'in crisis' amid fears some may have to closeImage source, Paul DicksonImage caption, Paul Dickson is project manager of the Enniskillen Food bankPublished3 minutes agoThe manager of a food bank in County Fermanagh has said they have enough money for "two months of running costs" before they run out, while another one in West Belfast, has had to "significantly reduce" the sizes of their parcels.According to the Trussell Trust, an anti-poverty charity, some food banks are having pay for 30-50% of the food they are supplying.Enniskillen Foodbank said their "ongoing expenses are continuing and donations are not keeping pace" with project manager Paul Dickson describing it as it a "bleak situation".Edel Diamond from South-West Belfast Foodbank on the Stewartstown Road said they are…
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