Laura Jarman, Bankueteers

The UK is facing a food insecurity crisis.

And with winter fast approaching - and the wide-scale economic disruption caused by Covid-19 continuing to proliferate - the problem is set to grow much further. The Trussell Trust, overseeing the UK's largest network of food banks, estimates that 846,000 parcels provided to people in crisis will be needed from October to December; a staggering 61% increase on last year.

On top of that, by the end of the year they expect 670,000 more people will be destitute. While that’s perhaps an easy figure to reel off (particularly given how often we’re seeing stark poverty stats now splashed across our news feeds), when you stop to consider what being destitute really means - being unable to afford bare essentials like housing, food, clothing or basic toiletries - it's pretty hard not to feel a chill.

But these numbers alone don't tell the complete story. In fact, they’re really only the tip of the iceberg. And we’ve all seen Titanic - we know if an issue is looming large on the surface, then a bigger problem could be lying beneath.

Hidden Hunger

Firstly, the Trussell Trust is not the UK's only food bank network. So, while their shocking figures are enough to make you stop mid-scroll, the numbers we’ve quoted only account for 60% of national food banks; with lots of other food aid providers, including the Independent Food Aid Network, serving a much wider, growing need.

Secondly, and perhaps even more worryingly, are the thousands of UK households currently going hungry who simply aren’t accessing food bank support at all. Research shows us that while 10% of UK households are classed as 'food insecure' (by that we mean having limited or uncertain access to adequate food), in 2018/19 just 2% used a food bank.

It’s clear that change is needed.

Be a part of the vision

Here at Bankuet we’re driven by the desire to make sure that everyone has enough food to eat. While we know systemic change is required to truly make this vision a reality, we're also aware that the immediate need in the UK is great and growing.

We’re continually inspired by organisations across the country working tirelessly to make it easier for people to access support when they need it. And now we want to make it easier for you to give.

Here’s how you can join us in addressing the UK’s hidden hunger crisis this winter:

• Visit www.bankuet.co.uk and either choose to donate to a specific food bank, or simply leave it to us to send your donation where it's needed most with a general donation.

• Make a one-off donation or opt to sign up to give a regular, monthly bundle - £10 helps someone out with their basic kitchen staples, £20 is a week’s worth of meals for one person or £50 for a family, £100 gives a large family enough food to eat for a week while £500 provides that family with food and supplies for a whole month.

• Follow us on Instagram [@Bankuet], Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Stay up to date with how your donations are making an impact and share our posts to your networks to help us raise awareness.

Looking for ways to help? Bankuet helps get food banks what they need, when they need it.