That's what we delivered last year. Every single day. All year long.
In financial year 2024-2025, North Bristol & South Glos Foodbank handed out 15,227 food parcels to families across our area. We supported 15,299 people - including 5,573 children - through our nine outlets and The Bridge Food Project.
1 in 44 people in our covered area needed food parcels from us this year.
That's 8,232 individuals who couldn't make ends meet without our help.
We distributed 142 tonnes of food. That's roughly the weight of 29 adult African elephants. Or enough meals to feed a packed Ashton Gate Stadium five times over - 137,043 meals in total.
What's Driving People to Our Doors
The rising cost of essentials remains the biggest factor, accounting for 23% of all referrals. But other patterns worry us more:
- Domestic abuse referrals surged by 46%
- Unexpected expenses increased by 14%
- Employment-related referrals fell by 24%
- Income delay cases dropped by 26%
The drop in benefit delays suggests the system is working better. But the spike in domestic abuse cases highlights growing safeguarding needs in our community.
Our volunteers see this reality firsthand. One corporate volunteer told us: “I hadn't appreciated the amount of food being processed at the site - it was rather astonishing.” Another said: “I hadn't fully realised just how many people rely on the food bank. The scale of need was greater than I expected.”
But it's the human stories that really matter. One client told us: “I think you are making a brilliant impact on the community. Coming here for me personally was a difficult experience emotionally, but you guys here make me feel comfortable. Everyone is polite. It's a very safe space. You guys make us feel human.”
Another said: “I don't know what I would have done without the food bank. At first I was really nervous, but I can't believe how helpful and nice everyone is.”
The Gap That Keeps Growing
Here's what keeps us awake at night. Every month this year, we've given out more food than we've received in donations:
In the last financial year we bought 18% of our stock. The other 82% came from donations - 122 tonnes from generous people like you. But the maths is simple. We can't keep giving out more than we receive.
In the past five years, we've seen a 237% increase in meals provided. The need isn't going away, it's growing.
One volunteer put it perfectly: “There's no financial reward for this work, but we are well rewarded by the look of surprise and joy on someone's face when they receive their parcel, and by the heartfelt thanks they offer.”
That's why we do this. That's why we need your help to keep doing it.
You can donate food at any of our collection points, or contribute financially through our website. When 1 in 44 people in your community needs help putting food on the table, every donation counts.
