The Trussell Trust said its network distributed more than 1.3 million three-day food supplies in the year to March, a 13% increase on the previous 12 months.
Almost half a million went to children, said the trust, which runs more than 400 food banks across the UK.
A growing proportion of referrals to food banks were due to benefit levels not covering the cost of essential goods and services.
Low income accounted for almost a fifth of referrals, compared with 26% the previous year, followed by benefit delays or changes and debt.
Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, said: “As a nation we expect no one should be left hungry or destitute.
“Illness, disability, family breakdown or the loss of a job could happen to any of us and we owe it to each other to make sure sufficient financial support is in place when we need it most.
A record number of emergency supplies were handed out by food banks in the past year, research has revealed.
“It’s hard to break free from hunger if there isn’t enough money coming in to cover the rising cost of absolute essentials like food and housing.
“Universal Credit is the future of our benefits system. It’s vital we get it right and ensure levels of payment keep pace with the rising cost of essentials, particularly for groups of people we know are already more likely to need a food bank – disabled people, those dealing with an…
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