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Trussell Trust food banks delivered a record 1.2 million emergency packages in the six months through September, the charity said.
More than 470,000 of the plots were for children, according to the charity, which says it shows the scale of support needed during the pandemic.
The figures do not include people helped by community organizations, independent food banks, or local authorities.
Trussell Trust operates a network of 1,300 centers across the UK and saw a 47% increase in support needed during the pandemic, according to its latest report.
While welcoming the government’s measures to help those struggling during the coronavirus outbreak, the charity has also called for longer-term measures to be taken.
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Emma Revie, Executive Director of the Trussell Trust, said: “Throughout 2020, communities across the country have stepped in to provide vital support to people who were left without enough money.
“Food bank volunteers have been working hard in extremely difficult circumstances to make sure there is support for people struggling to pay for essentials, but it is not right for any of us to be forced to go to a charity to get food, at any time of the year.
“In the past few weeks, we have seen incredible compassion and concern for people facing hunger after Marcus Rashford’s brilliant campaign, and it is very welcome to see the government build on the steps already taken by providing significant new funding for councils. premises in England.
“This vital local support must work in coordination with a national welfare system that is strong enough to act as a lifeline for anyone struggling to pay for essentials.
“This pandemic has shown that the unexpected can hit us suddenly, with devastating consequences for people’s lives, but it has also shown that we can make big changes in the way we live and care for each other.”
The trust also said that the food banks in its network could see high levels of use during the winter, as more and more people become redundant.
Low income, late benefits, and illness or health problems were the top three reasons someone may have been referred to a Trussell Trust food bank between April and September this year, their report says.
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A government spokesperson said: “We are committed to ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society are protected and have put in place a strong support package to ensure that children and their families do not go hungry during this pandemic.”
“Our additional £ 400 million funding includes £ 170 million to help families stay warm and well fed this winter, another £ 16 million to provide immediate support to front-line food aid charities and a food and activity program. Christmas of £ 220 million. “
