One-in-three parcels handed out by the borough’s biggest foodbank go to children, reports Leah Renz

Volunteers at a foodbank — credit Joel Munic via Unsplash

Enfield’s biggest foodbank remains “extremely busy” even before a looming inflation spike from rising oil prices further impacts the cost of living.

New figures show charity Trussell Trust’s North Enfield Foodbank delivered 15,241 food parcels last year, over a third of which (5,923) were distributed to children.

This represents a 142% increase compared to seven years ago, before the pandemic, although demand peaked at around 18,000 food parcels in 2023/24 when inflation was higher.

Now, the war in Iran and subsequent blocking of the Strait of Hormuz is increasing the price of oil, likely leading to another rise of UK inflation and household bills throughout the rest of this year, putting further pressure on foodbanks.

Sharmayne from North Enfield Foodbank told the Dispatch: “North Enfield Foodbank remains extremely busy.

“We continue to support a large number of individuals and families each week, including many who are working but still struggling to afford essentials.”

Donations have also been fluctuating, she explained. “We have noticed that some households, who previously donated regularly, are now facing financial pressures themselves.”

Sharmayne added: “For many families, wages and benefits have not kept pace […] essential costs such as rent, utilities and food remain high.”

North Enfield Foodbank is the only Trussell Trust foodbank operating in the borough, but a host of other charities working to end poverty in Enfield are also enduring high demand.

Cooking Champions, a charity which provides local food support and hosts a ‘community kitchen‘ in Ponders End, has seen a steady increase in need over the last three years.

Founder Clare Donovan said that in January 2024, the charity distributed 622 bags. But in January 2026, that number increased to 1,022.

Alongside an increase in demand, Cooking Champions has seen a drop in physical donations of food.

Clare said: “The reason for this is that people are struggling […] obviously I think people want to help but they’re just not in a position to, because everything is just so expensive and they have to cover their own bills before being able to help us.”

While lower inflation over the last year has lowered demand slightly at North Enfield Foodbank from its peak in 2023, Clare said the demand at Cooking Champions had remained very high.

“I wish I could say yes [to seeing positive impacts of stabilised inflation], but sadly we haven’t.”

Both charities are urging local people interested in making a difference to volunteer or donate to help keep services running.

Clare warns that Cooking Champions faces possible closure or reduction in services without additional help. “We are at a real crunch point where we have to consider the long-term future of the foodbank,” she said.

For more information about North Enfield Foodbank:
Visit northenfield.foodbank.org.uk

For more information about Cooking Champions:
Visit cookingchampions.uk

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