The Trussell Trust has challenged the UK Government to step up its commitment to food insecurity by making urgent policy changes.
The Christian anti-poverty charity, which accounts for roughly two-thirds of all UK food banks, wants the government to end the five-week wait for Universal Credit, saying the country shouldn't only rely on generous food donations.
New figures released Wednesday show 3,072 tonnes of food were donated to food banks in the Trussell Trust's network last December.
Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust said: "These donations show communities and individuals, driven by compassion and justice, are doing what they can to help people facing hunger, but no charity can replace the dignity of having enough money to buy your own food.
"We know this can change. It's now time for our new Chancellor to do his part in the forthcoming Budget and match these acts of compassion by doing the right thing and putting money back into the pockets of people who most need support."
On top of ending the five-week wait for Universal Credit, Trussell Trust has called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to ensure benefit payments cover the cost of living, and invest in local emergency support for people in crisis
"It's in our power as a country to end the need for food banks. To reach that future, we need to make sure everyone has enough money for the essentials," Revie added.
Trussell Trust food banks in Scotland received the most food donations (412 tonnes). It was followed by the North West (378 tonnes) and the East (348 tonnes).
