Food banks are facing a crisis, with some reportedly having to pay for 30-50% of the food they provide, according to anti-poverty charity the Trussell Trust. This situation is leading to concerns that some food banks may be forced to reduce support or close.
The manager of a food bank in County Fermanagh stated they have enough money for "two months of running costs" before funds run out. Another food bank in West Belfast has had to "significantly reduce" the sizes of their parcels due to struggling with stock.
Enniskillen Foodbank, part of the Trussell Trust network, described its situation as "bleak" as ongoing expenses outpace donations. While the Trussell Trust can provide support for another three months, the project manager noted this is not enough to last a year.
Fiona Cole from the Trussell Trust in Northern Ireland expressed that it is "heartbreaking" to see food banks in this position. She added that the biggest fear is that food banks will be forced to drastically reduce support or close if income falls short.
In 2025, the Trussell Trust distributed 67,851 parcels in Northern Ireland, with 26,459 of these given to children. Fewer donations are thought to be a result of people struggling with the cost of living and having to cut their own budgets.