There are more food banks in the UK than there are of fast-food chains including McDonald's and Burger King, according to figures.

The stats quickly went viral after the information was shared on Twitter, leaving millions shocked and in disbelief in the run-up to the general election.

Official figures suggest there are now more than 2,000 food banks across the UK, the majority of which are run by the charity The Trussell Trust.

These figures also suggest that in the UK, there are 1,249 McDonald's branches, 500 Burger King branches and 2,000 branches of both Subway and Costa.

A tweet said: "Number of:

"McDonald's: 1249

"Burger Kings: 500

"Food banks: 2,100

"There are now more food banks in the UK than the biggest fast-food chains *combined*.

"This is why we fight."

(Image: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

People responded to the tweets when faced with dramatic statistics.

One said: "I'm more surprised that there are only 500 branches of Burger King rather than the food banks. Tells you all you need to know really".

Another simply responded: "let's fight".

Trussell Trust, a charity responsible for the majority of the UK's food banks, said it has 1,200 food banks across the UK.

The Manchester Evening News reported that research from the Independent Food Aid Network suggested the Trussell Trust's centres account for roughly two-thirds of all emergency food banks, so they estimate there are "around 2,000 food banks in the UK."

Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, said: "We're seeing more and more people being pushed to food banks than ever before. People across the country, driven by compassion and a strong sense of justice, have been doing what they can to help, but we all want to see things change.

"It's time for candidates on all sides to ensure these values are lived out in policies that anchor people from poverty.

"This General Election, all political parties must pledge to protect people from hunger by ensuring everyone has enough money for the basics.

"We want our next government to start working towards a future where no one needs a food bank by ending 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.

"Together, these three changes will put money back into the pockets of people who most need our support.

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"It's not right that anyone has to walk through the doors of a food bank in the UK. But it's in our power as a country to end the need for food banks - this can change."