There are now more foodbanks across the UK than McDonald's restaurants.
Statistics show there are around 1,300 branches of the fast food chain nationwide - while the number of foodbanks is estimated at more than 2,000.
This stark statistic is likely to be an underestimate as the 2,000 figure does not include every type of foodbank, such as those operating in schools.
Garry Lemon, director of policy and research at foodbank charity The Trussell Trust, said: "More people than ever before are being forced to use food banks, having to turn to one of the 1,200 centres in our network, because they’re unable to afford the basics.
"This just isn’t right. Foodbanks offer absolutely vital support, providing a lifeline for people that have been pulled under by the rising tide of poverty.
"But no one in the UK should need that help to begin with. That’s why we’re calling on the Government to start putting money back into the pockets of people who most need support.
"We need to end the five week wait for Universal Credit, ensuring benefit payments cover the cost of living and investing in local emergency support for people in crisis.
"Only then can we work towards a future where no one needs to use a food bank."
According to the charity, the top four reasons for using a foodbank between April and September last year were low income, benefit delay, benefit change and debt.
The news comes as it is revealed that nearly half a million people turned to charity for help over the last year.
The Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO) has estimated that its members distributed around £216 million in help over the last 12 months.
It said that those supported by the charities were driven into a crisis for reasons similar to those given by the Trussell Trust.
Chief Executive Donal Watkin said: "These figures show the increasing levels of support needed by people with nowhere else to turn.
"Some of the people helped never expected to face tough times.
"Perhaps they’ve been made redundant and their savings have run out as they’ve struggled to find employment.
"Perhaps they’re receiving cancer treatment and are off work with no pay while the bills keep coming in and mount up.
"On a single day, our members help hundreds of people across the country, and collectively they have a real societal impact."
