Here we bust 4 common misconceptions around food banks, or community food projects, and those that use them.
Misconception 1
People that use food projects don’t know how to budget…
Reality:
- Over 7 million low-income families are going without essentials, including 82% of families on Universal Credit – food being among the most likely items to be cut back on.
- Food prices have risen by more than a third over the last five years.
- Benefits have risen by 1.7% in 2025, way behind the rate of inflation.
Misconception 2
People that use food projects can’t cook…
Reality:
- Many of our Pinch Points participants, who have used emergency food support, say that they enjoy cooking.
- The cost-of-living crisis is the biggest factor driving food bank use.
- 1,000 calories of healthy food costs nearly twice as much as less healthy, processed foods.
Misconception 3
Only unemployed people need food banks…
Reality:
- Over 1 in 10 users of Trussell food banks in 2024–2025 were in employment.
- 21% of NHS charities have an active food bank for NHS staff or are implementing one. A further 35% are exploring the possibility.
Misconception 4
All the food distributed by food banks is donated…
Reality:
- Food banks in Lewes District spend up to £1,000/week to support those who rely on them.
- Food bank donations have seen a huge drop-off since Covid-19.
- Food projects have been called a ‘fourth emergency service’, but they are not funded by the government and are largely run by volunteers.
Find out more about how food projects run in this blog by Ruby Makepeace-Somerville from Fitzjohns Community Food: https://lewesdistrictfoodpartnership.org/on-national-food-bank-day-why-support-is-needed-all-year-round/