Food Poverty in the UK in 2025

Food poverty is not a term you expect to read about in relation to the UK.  We know through the work of charities that there is severe food poverty in other countries, such as: Haiti, Mali, South Sudan, Sudan, and many others.  But the UK?  In this day and age?  Not possible.  Surely anyone claiming to experience food insecurity in the UK must be wastrels, n'er do wells, who waste their money on booze, fags and drugs?  Some higher ups would like to have us think so.   

Would it surprise you to learn, that the prevalence of food insecurity in the UK is 14% of the population?  That is a staggering 7.3 million adults, according to the latest estimation in January 2025.  This, at a time when the government is focussed on cutting the welfare bill.  Of Increasing taxes for the lower paid, and by any measure can no longer be called the party of the people. 

Data from the Trussell Trust, a national food insecurity charity, estimates that 3% of the population in the UK regularly use food banks.  So what of the other 11%  Are they going hungry?  DWP figures suggest that 2.3 million people in the UK used a food bank during 2023-24 - a staggering increase from the estimated 26,000 in 2008-09.  I would add here, that although I am immensely thankful for foodbanks, they certainly fill many bellies.  The question of whether these full bellies are receiving nutritious food is debatable.  I know they often rely on the goodwill of supermarkets - who will offload fruit and veg past it's best, and any near to out of date products they have.  I know of people who have received meat and other useful products, alongside multiple packets of monster munch, and other such.  A healthy meal monster munch to accompany a nice pork chop does not make. 

Getting back to the matter in hand, what exactly is food poverty?  And what are the reasons for it?

What is food poverty and what causes it?

A research briefing from the House of Commons Library -  Food Poverty: Households, Foodbanks and Free School Meals makes for a sobering read.   

So now that we have the official explanation of what food poverty is?  Let's turn our attention to the reasons for food poverty. 

Low income and economic hardship: 

• Insufficient Income:
  A lack of adequate income to cover basic needs, including food
• Rising Food Prices:
  Inflation and rising food costs, disproportionately affect low-income households
• Low Wages and Insecure Employment:
  Many people are stuck in low-wage jobs or have precarious employment
• Unemployment:
  Unemployment and job losses can lead to sudden financial hardship and food insecurity. 
• Benefit Delays and Sanctions:
  Problems with the benefit system, such as delays or sanctions, can leave individuals without sufficient income to cover essential expenses, including food.
  

Cost of Living Crisis:

• Increased Food Costs:
  The cost of a typical grocery shop has risen significantly, outpacing income growth for many low-income households. 
• Housing Costs:
  High housing costs, particularly in urban areas, leave less money for other necessities, including food. 
• Utility Bills:
  Rising energy costs and other utility bills further strain household budgets, making it difficult to afford food.
  

Other Factors:

• Limited Access to Affordable and Nutritious Food:
  Location, mobility, and lack of cooking skills can limit access to affordable and healthy food options. 
• Social Factors:
  Social stigma and pressure to maintain certain social norms can also contribute to food insecurity, particularly for vulnerable groups. 
• Climate Change:
  Climate change can impact food production and distribution, potentially leading to higher food prices and reduced availability.