The Trussell Trust

The Trussell Trust is a charity based in the United Kingdom that works to end hunger and poverty in the UK. It supports a network of over 1,200 food banks across the country, providing emergency food and support to people in crisis. The charity was founded in 1997 by Carolyn Trussell and Paddy Henderson.

History

The Trussell Trust was established in 1997 by Carolyn Trussell and Paddy Henderson. Initially, the charity focused on supporting projects in Bulgaria, but in 2000, it shifted its focus to the UK after Paddy Henderson received a call from a mother in Salisbury who was struggling to feed her children. This led to the opening of the first food bank in Salisbury in 2000.

Operations

The Trussell Trust operates a network of food banks that provide a minimum of three days' nutritionally balanced emergency food to people who have been referred by a frontline professional such as a doctor, social worker, or citizens advice worker. The charity also offers additional support to help people resolve the crises they face, such as debt advice and benefits guidance.

Impact

The Trussell Trust's food banks distributed over 2.5 million emergency food parcels in the year 2020-2021, with over 980,000 of these going to children. The charity has highlighted the growing need for food banks in the UK and has campaigned for systemic change to address the root causes of poverty and hunger.

Campaigns and Advocacy

The Trussell Trust is involved in various campaigns and advocacy efforts to address the underlying causes of poverty and hunger. It works with policymakers, businesses, and the public to create a future where food banks are no longer needed. The charity's campaigns focus on issues such as universal credit, low wages, and the cost of living.

Partnerships

The Trussell Trust collaborates with a range of partners, including other charities, businesses, and community groups, to maximize its impact. Notable partners include Tesco, which supports the charity through food collections and financial donations, and Asda, which provides funding and food donations.

See also

• Food poverty in the United Kingdom
• Food bank
• Poverty in the United Kingdom
• Universal credit
• Citizens Advice