Nutritional adequacy and content of food bank parcels in Oxfordshire, UK: a comparative analysis of independent and organisational provision.

R Fallaize,J Newlove,J A Lovegrove,A White

doi:10.1111/jhn.12740

R Fallaize, J Newlove + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12740

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Abstract

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. 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. 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. 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 provision.

Highlights

Many people in the UK are struggling to feed themselves and their families, with 5.6% of the population, aged 15 years or over, reporting their struggle in 2014 [1]
The present study aimed to investigate the nutritional adequacy of TT and independent food bank parcels provided in a region of the UK, Oxfordshire
Banbury Salvation Army had links with Kentucky Fried Chicken (Banbury, UK), who donated left over breaded chicken at the end of each day; these were fully reheated the day and served alongside the soup lunch they offered to food bank users

Summary

Introduction

Many people in the UK are struggling to feed themselves and their families, with 5.6% of the population, aged 15 years or over, reporting their struggle in 2014 [1]. The use of food banks (charity or independent organisations that supply donated food directly to clients free of charge) is continuously rising in the UK. The Trussell Trust’s (TT) Foodbank Network, which oversees 427 food banks in the UK, reported a 13% rise in use over the past year, with 1 332 952 3-day emergency parcels distributed between April 2017 and March 2018 [2]. 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. 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.

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