Background: Food bank use has increased significantly in the UK. With the
rise in demand, it is imperative that users are receiving food parcels that
meet their requirements. The present study aimed to explore whether typical
food parcels, supplied by The Trussell Trust and independent food banks,
were meeting the daily nutrient and energy requirements of an adult user.
Methods: The Trussell Trust (n = 2) and independent food banks (n = 9)
were surveyed in Oxfordshire, UK. Data were collected on food bank use,
resources, donations and parcel content. The energy and nutrient contents
of a representative parcel were compared with the average dietary reference
values (DRVs) for an adult. Additional comparisons were made between
The Trussell Trust and independent provision.
Results: Parcels provided energy, carbohydrate, sugar, protein and fibre
contents that significantly exceeded the DRVs. In total, 62.2% of energy was
provided as carbohydrate and 569% of the DRV was provided by sugars.
The vitamin D and retinol content of the parcels was significantly lower
than the DRVs, meeting 25% and 27% of users’ needs respectively; provision of all other micronutrients exceeded the DRVs. The Trussell Trust’s
parcels provided significantly less vitamin D and copper than independent
parcels.
Conclusions: Food bank parcels distributed in Oxfordshire, UK, exceeded
energy requirements and provided disproportionately high sugar and carbohydrate and inadequate vitamin A and vitamin D compared to the UK
guidelines. Improved links with distributors and access to cold food storage
facilities would help to address these issues, via increased fresh food
provisio