# Nearly £1bn donated to food bank charities last year – up 50% YOY

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2024/05/15/nearly-1bn-donated-to-food-bank-charities-last-year-up-50-yoy/
- Published: 2024-05-15T11:23:19+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

**The amount of money donated to food bank charities has increased by 50% year on
year, with the British public estimated to have given almost £1 billion last year,
according to Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) research.**

Based on a sample size of just over 13,000 people, [CAF](https://www.cafonline.org/)
found that people donated £973 million to food banks in 2023, increasing from £635
million during the previous year.

The latest [official statistics](https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/family-resources-survey-financial-year-2022-to-2023/family-resources-survey-financial-year-2022-to-2023)
from the government, shared by CAF, show that 3.3% of households used a food bank
within the last year, with 1.4% saying they had used a food bank within the last
30 days (2022 to 2023).

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#### People donating more

The number of donors choosing to support food banks remained consistent year-on-
year with 16% donating in the last four weeks. However overall donation amounts 
increased with the average donation to food banks increasing by £10, up from £22
in 2022 to £32 last year. In comparison, people gave an average of £20 to animal
welfare causes and £17 to medial research charities in 2023. Food banks received
similar levels of support from all age groups and across all regions of the country.

#### Rising awareness of local need

Nearly half (49%) of people said that the cost-of-living crisis made them more conscious
of need in their local community. More than a third (36%) said they are especially
likely to donate to a charity tackling homelessness and food poverty at the moment.

Separate CAF research also found that the cost-of-living crisis had led people to
notice the need for charities in their community.

One regular donor said: 

> “I have increased the amount I’m giving particularly to local food banks and similar
> charities… I had previously been unaware of the existence of any local food banks
> and now I am a regular contributor.”

Another giver said:

> “Things have that bit more of an effect when you see them first-hand… the crisis
> means you see people really struggling in your area and you want to take those
> extra steps to help them.”

Neil Heslop OBE, Chief Executive of the Charities Aid Foundation commented:

> “Food bank charities provide a safety net for the most vulnerable in our communities.
> But due to the cost-of-living crisis, their costs have increased, and they need
> more donations to pay rent and to keep the lights on. Unlike businesses, they 
> cannot pass cost increases on to customers.
>  
> “Even when times are tough, it’s heart-warming to see how people respond generously
> to support charities around the UK providing for more and more families. For those
> who can’t afford to give more, volunteering your time or donating goods is also
> a crucial way to help charities.”