A new study has spotlighted the UK towns and cities most reliant on food banks, with Birmingham emerging as the area in greatest need.
Financial support platform Afforda analysed search engine data from 78 towns and cities to determine the average number of monthly searches for food bank-related keywords, such as “food bank near me” and “local food banks.”
By weighing these searches against local populations, the study identified the areas with the highest need per 100,000 residents.
Birmingham claimed the top spot, recording an average of 284.03 searches per 100,000 people—a total of 3,185 monthly searches.
PRESSING DEMAND
The data highlights the pressing demand for food bank support in the UK’s second-largest city, with search terms reflecting both immediate need and logistical concerns about accessibility.
The research paints a stark picture of food insecurity across the UK.
Among these, Glasgow, Liverpool, and Leeds each reported significant search activity, reflecting the widespread financial strain impacting households across both urban and regional areas.
At the other end of the spectrum, Watford reported the fewest searches, with just 29.82 per 100,000 people. While the disparity may reflect differing levels of financial need, it also highlights the uneven geographical distribution of food insecurity across the UK.
GROWING CRISIS
Mark Fiander, Chief Executive of GAIN Credit LLC trading as Afforda, underscored the urgency of addressing food insecurity:
“The rise in food bank reliance across UK cities is a clear indication of the growing inequality and financial strain faced by many households.
“These findings emphasise the urgent need for coordinated action from policymakers, businesses, and communities to tackle food insecurity and build a more sustainable safety net for those in need.”
