With Christmas coming up, those of us who can give food or money may be looking for ways to help those less fortunate.

More people than ever are being driven to food banks and the sharp increase in people needing help is outstripping food donations.

If you're looking to donate to a food bank this festive season, you may be wondering how to go about this in the most helpful way. 

There are more than 2,000 food banks across the UK, with the majority of them run by The Trussell Trust and the others run by the Independent Food Aid Network.

The easiest way to find the food bank nearest you is through the Trussell Trust website, where you can search for the food banks in your area.

How to donate food

Find your local food bank to find out which items are most needed and how to donate them.

Other ways to donate food

  1. Drop off at collection points in supermarkets across the country.
  2. Make a financial donation to your local food bank on their website, so they can buy what they need.
  3. Add items to your online supermarket shop (where available) to send directly to the food bank.
  4. Host a collection for your local food bank at your school, church or business.

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What is a food bank?

According to the Trussell website: "Food banks provide emergency food and practical support to people who have been left without enough money to live on.  

"People also get emotional support, and a reminder that they are not alone and someone understands.

"The volunteers at food banks offer a friendly face and basic kindness. For many people, it’s the first time someone has sat down and listened to them – especially when they have been worn down by the way our social security system currently works."