Food banks across Northern Ireland face the prospect of cutting services or shutting down after donations dropped and running costs outstripped income, charity managers and the Trussell Trust warn.
Enniskillen Foodbank’s project manager, Paul Dickson, said the centre has enough funds for "two months of running costs" before it runs out, calling the situation "bleak" and adding, "That isn't enough to last a year." He said ongoing expenses continue while donations are not keeping pace, and urged stronger local relationships to make food banks sustainable.
Staff at a West Belfast centre have already reduced parcel sizes. Edel Diamond, who runs the South-West Belfast Foodbank on Stewartstown Road, said limited stock is distressing because families arriving are struggling to cope. She said rising energy bills are increasing pressure on charities, and appealed urgently for food and financial donations, saying at the moment "we are in crisis."
The Trussell Trust reported that 67,851 parcels were distributed in Northern Ireland in 2025, including 26,459 given to children. The charity also said that some food banks are buying 30-50% of the food they supply. In the last month to six weeks, managers have faced acute shortages, the trust said, with three food banks contacting them directly about stock and finance problems and six issuing emergency appeals on social media.
Fiona Cole, the Trussell Trust’s policy and public affairs manager in Northern Ireland, called the situation "heartbreaking" and warned the biggest fear is that some food banks will be forced to drastically reduce support, or worse, close their doors because income falls short and centres can no longer afford household essentials. Some distribution centres have already closed or reduced hours. The trust noted that overall parcel distribution in 2025 remained below the 2023 peak, but local shortages and funding gaps are creating immediate crisis points.
Managers and the Trussell Trust said sustainable funding and explicit support from government and the Northern Ireland Assembly are needed to prevent further closures and stabilise services for families who depend on them.
