The festive season is a time for celebration, but it's also a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the year gone by. Most of all, it's a moment to recognise what you made possible - practical help, warm welcomes and policy changes that mean less people will need a food bank to get by.

This year brought extraordinary pressure for many. Because of you, people found emergency food when the cupboards were bare, a listening ear when things felt overwhelming, and advice that helps them take control with dignity - and your voice helped push for the long-term change needed.

Here's some of what you helped achieve in 2025:

January and February

It was a challenging Winter for our community of food banks. Together you helped raise over £3 million to support food banks across the UK.

March

Thousands of you participated in our 40 for 40 Lent challenge, supporting food banks and sharing reflections and your acts of kindness.

April

The release of our Cost of Hunger and Hardship report strengthened calls for an Essentials Guarantee in Universal Credit from the UK government. This research showed that public finances and the UK economy could benefit by up to £75 billion each year if people were protected from hunger and hardship.

June

On the 18 June, more than 700 representatives from communities across the UK stood shoulder-to-shoulder to create an historic lobby at Westminster as part of the Guarantee our Essentials campaign.

July

The UK government proposed cruel cuts to disabled people's social security worth almost £7 billion. Collectively we sent over 25,000 emails to MPs and now huge chunks of these cuts won't go ahead.

November

At the National Tesco Christmas Collection, thousands of you gave your time and added extra items to your shop. That practical kindness keeps food banks ready for winter - thank you.

December

Thanks to your tireless efforts to campaign with us and our partner organisations, the Chancellor announced in her budget that they would scrap the two-child limit on Universal Credit. This means that 470,000 children will be lifted out of poverty. That is a massive win!

Thank you for everything you've done this year. Because of you, people found food, warmth and practical advice when it mattered. By adding your voice to the tens of thousands of people calling for change, you also helped build a future where no one needs a food bank. We're looking forward to what we can achieve together in 2026.

From everyone at Trussell, we wish you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas and best wishes for the year ahead.

Warm wishes,

The Trussell Team

P.S. An emergency food parcel is not what people wish for, but it is the parcel many will need this winter. If you'd like, there is still time to support people this winter via our Emergency Parcel appeal. Thank you.