Recent research by Trussell has uncovered that over 14 million individuals in the UK are struggling with food scarcity, leading to a rise in working families resorting to food banks.
This number represents approximately one in six households (16%) in the country, surpassing the combined populations of London, Manchester, and Glasgow. The study conducted by Ipsos on behalf of the charity indicates a significant surge from figures recorded in 2022, when Trussell estimated that 11.6 million people were experiencing food shortages.
Furthermore, the survey highlights that the most vulnerable group to food insecurity are young children aged 0-5, with more than a quarter (27%) of them residing in households facing hunger. Among this age group, one in three children (31%) are living in food insecure environments.
Trussell has cautioned that even minor changes in household circumstances, such as a broken-down car, can push families to rely on food banks when their incomes are already critically low.
The charity emphasizes the necessity for immediate action from the UK Government to fulfill its promise of eradicating the need for emergency food support. This includes abolishing the two-child limit and offering enhanced assistance to low-income private renters to cope with rising rental costs.
Renowned actor and Trussell advocate Brian Cox shared his personal experience of growing up in poverty, emphasizing the enduring impact and stress of food insecurity. Cox called for the elimination of the two-child limit to ensure that no child faces the distress of hunger.
Additionally, Helen Barnard, director of policy, research, and impact at Trussell, highlighted the diverse range of individuals, including pensioners, disabled persons, working families, and carers, who are struggling financially in the UK. She urged the government to act swiftly to address hunger issues and ensure a better future for all citizens.
In response, a spokesperson from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) affirmed the government’s commitment to combating the escalating reliance on food banks. The DWP outlined ongoing initiatives such as extending free school meals, providing crisis support for underprivileged children, and developing a comprehensive strategy through the Child Poverty Taskforce to tackle the root causes of food insecurity.
The government is also focusing on revamping jobcentres and reforming the welfare system to assist individuals in securing stable employment opportunities while safeguarding those in need.
At Reach and across our entities, we utilize cookies and other identifiers to enhance user experience, analyze site usage, and display personalized advertisements. Opt-out options for data sharing/sale are available by clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button on our webpage. Your consent to cookie usage and data practices is implied by using our website and services. For more information, refer to our Privacy Notice and Cookie Policy.