Recent research by Trussell reveals that over 14 million individuals in the UK are experiencing food insecurity, leading to a rise in the number of employed families seeking assistance from food banks.
This figure represents approximately 16% of households, surpassing the combined populations of major cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow. Ipsos conducted the study on behalf of the charity, showing a significant increase from the previous year when the estimate stood at 11.6 million people facing hunger.
The survey highlights that young children aged 0-5 are the most affected by food insecurity within households. More than a quarter of children, totaling 27%, are growing up in households struggling with hunger, with children under five being the most impacted, as one in three, or 31%, reside in a food insecure environment.
Trussell emphasizes that even minor changes in household circumstances, such as a vehicle breakdown, can force families to resort to food banks when their incomes are insufficient.
The charity urges the UK Government to take immediate action to fulfill its pledge to eradicate the necessity for emergency food aid. This includes removing the two-child limit policy and offering better support to low-income private renters to cope with escalating rental costs.
Actor Brian Cox, a supporter of Trussell, draws from personal experience to stress the detrimental effects of growing up in poverty and the perpetual anxiety of food insecurity. Cox advocates for the elimination of the two-child limit, ensuring that no child has to face hunger and its consequences.
Helen Barnard, the director of policy, research, and impact at Trussell, asserts that it is unacceptable for millions of individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, to struggle to meet basic needs, including food. She calls on the UK government to uphold its commitment to eradicating the reliance on food banks, emphasizing the importance of this research as a benchmark for evaluation.
A spokesperson from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) declares the government’s determination to combat the escalating dependence on food banks. Initiatives such as extending free school meals and implementing a £1 billion crisis support package for underprivileged children aim to address food insecurity. The DWP’s Child Poverty Taskforce will unveil a comprehensive strategy later this year to further tackle these issues.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to revamp jobcentres and reform the welfare system to assist individuals in securing stable employment while safeguarding those in the most vulnerable circumstances.
At Reach and across our entities , we and our partners utilize cookies and other identifiers to enhance user experience, analyze site usage, and deliver personalized ads. You have the option to opt out of data sharing by clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button on the webpage. By using our services, you consent to the use of cookies as described in our Privacy Notice