Nearly 1 in 20 Island residents needed a foodbank in 2025

The Isle of Wight Foodbank has released its 2025 annual report, revealing both the ongoing demand for emergency food support and the extraordinary generosity of the island’s community. This year marks 15 years of service, and the food bank continues to be a crucial support for thousands of residents, proving that even in one of the UK’s most beautiful locations, food insecurity remains a pressing issue.

In 2025, the Isle of Wight Foodbank distributed 80,518 kilograms of food, a 1.9% increase compared to the previous year. This quantity is equivalent to 16,000 shopping bags, or roughly the weight of 13 African elephants, illustrating the scale of support provided to those in crisis. Across five locations – Freshwater, Cowes, Newport, Ryde, and The Bay (in Lake) – the foodbank supported 6,324 people, including 2,330 children.

To put this in perspective, nearly 1 in 20 residents of the Isle of Wight relied on the food bank at some point during last year. While the figures are stark, there is a glimmer of hope: 90% of people who visited the food bank only needed support once or twice, highlighting the impact of short-term assistance in helping people regain stability.

“Foodbanks shouldn’t be needed in the UK,” said Kay Lewis, Foodbank Manager. “Yet here we are, 15 years later, still responding to families who are struggling to put food on the table. These numbers are not just statistics – they represent real people, our neighbours, who need a helping hand.”

The food bank would not be possible without the dedication of its 130 volunteers, whose tireless efforts keep operations running smoothly across the island. From sorting donations to distributing food parcels, these volunteers ensure that every emergency food request is met with dignity and care.

The Isle of Wight Foodbank relies heavily on community donations and support. Local churches, businesses, schools, and individuals contribute both food and funds, helping the food bank maintain its services and meet growing demand. The increase in food distributed over the past year underscores both the generosity of the community and the ongoing need for support.

Beyond providing emergency food, the food bank offers a listening ear and signposting to other services, such as Citizens Advice and The Footprint Trust. By helping individuals and families access the wider support network, the food bank plays a role in alleviating immediate hardship while helping to prevent future crises.

Despite 15 years of service, the message from the Isle of Wight Foodbank remains clear: food insecurity is still very real, and no one should have to worry about their next meal. The charity calls on the community, local businesses, and policymakers to continue working together to address the underlying causes of poverty and food insecurity.

“Every parcel of food we distribute carries more than just nutrition – it shows someone they are not alone and there is help,” said Kay. “Three days’ of emergency food is a temporary lifeline, but our goal is a permanent solution: a society where foodbanks are no longer needed.

Working as part of the wider Trussell network allows Isle of Wight Foodbank to combine emergency food with additional support and advocacy. By sharing knowledge, providing training, and helping people access advice, the network addresses the root causes of hardship and works towards a future where fewer people need to rely on food banks.”

The Isle of Wight Foodbank encourages anyone who wishes to help to donate, volunteer, or organise food drives. With your support, the food bank can continue to serve those in crisis and work towards a future where everyone has enough to eat.

Back to News