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Revie (left) will start her role in February 2018, meaning current interim chief Mark Ward will oversee a December in which the Trust expects to help a record number of children.

Ward said: “For many, this Christmas will not be a time for celebration. Every year we see a spike in demand at Christmas but this year foodbanks are expecting their busiest Christmas ever. 

“At Christmas foodbanks will be working hard to provide not only those regular essentials, like pasta and cereal, but also little extras that offer hope at a time when people need it most.

"The stories are as inspiring as they are heart-breaking – one mum told us that she was relieved as her daughter’s first Christmas was taken care of with help from the foodbank.

“Last December, the public’s generosity meant foodbanks could help thousands of people across the country. But when the festive season is over there will still be people in our communities unable to afford food.”

Figures from last December showed a 47% increase in number of three-day emergency supplies provided by Trussell Trust foodbanks compared to the monthly average for 2016/17 financial year.

During the month,146,798 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis; 61,093 of these went to children.

Incoming chief, Revie says she is commited to finding a long-term solution to the growing problem.

She said: “We face significant challenges ahead with the number of food parcels distributed by our network up by 13% in the first 6 months of this year to 587,000, with 209,000 going to children. 

“I want to see the end of the need for emergency food services in our country, to work with Government to ensure that our benefits system provides a genuine safety net for people and work is paid a fair wage, allowing individuals and families to thrive rather than just stave off crisis.

“Although the recent Budget marked a positive step forward, there is still much more to be done and I look forward to working with our staff and foodbank network to bring further change.”