For the first time in its history, Cardiff foodbank has run out of essential items, with staff describing the warehouse as emptier than ever before. The foodbank, which supports 20,000 people each year by distributing emergency food parcels, is facing an unprecedented crisis.
Warehouse at Critical Low
Rachel Biggs, who leads the foodbank in Cardiff, explained that a combination of factors has led to this situation. The primary reason is that more people are struggling financially themselves and are less able to donate to the 12 weekly foodbanks across the capital. The foodbank has been operational since 2009, and its warehouse in Splott has been in use since 2022, but it has never before run out of core items.
In a Facebook post, the foodbank expressed deep concern: "We're very worried. We have never seen our warehouse so empty, and now, for the first time ever, we're out of crucial items—such as long-life fruit juices that make up our three-day emergency food parcels."
Donations Plummet While Need Stays High
Rachel noted that both financial and food donations have dropped as everyone feels the impact of rising costs. "We know people are feeling the pinch. It's impacting their ability to donate, even if they want to give. Everyone is feeling the same," she said. Donations are down at a time when the need for their services remains very high.
Comparing January to May 2025 with the same period in 2026, the number of people supported by the foodbank remained roughly the same, with a third of parcels going to children. However, the amount of food and essential items donated dropped by 27%. The foodbank now spends an average of £6,000 per month to supplement donations.
Community Support Vital
Rachel emphasised that this issue is not unique to Cardiff, as the Vale of Glamorgan foodbank shared a similar post last week. The Cardiff foodbank's Facebook post has already generated 105 orders to boost supplies. "We're very much powered by the community. There are 220 volunteers who run the foodbank alongside a small staff team, contributing 22,000 hours a year. We literally couldn't run without people in the community," she said.
The foodbank is urging people to donate online or at in-person donation points. Donations can also be dropped off at the warehouse in Splott between 9:30 am and 1:30 pm, Monday to Friday. The charity suggests that a £3 donation per month, equivalent to the cost of a coffee, can make a significant difference.
Urgently Needed Items
The foodbank has released a list of items that are desperately needed:
- Coffee
- Fruit juice (long-life)
- Tinned tomatoes
- Tinned potatoes
- Custard
- Tinned fruit
- Sponge puddings
