Millions in the UK can’t afford healthy food

Across the UK, millions of people are finding it hard to afford healthy, nutritious food.

New figures from the Food Foundation show that one in 10 households are living with food insecurity.

What is food insecurity?

Food insecurity means not having reliable access to enough affordable, healthy food. It can mean skipping meals, going hungry, or relying on cheap, filling food rather than food that’s good for you.

Since the start of the pandemic, the Food Foundation has tracked how many people in the UK are affected. The latest numbers show the problem is still very serious.

Who is most affected?

Some groups are hit harder than others:

• nearly 18% of households with children are experiencing food insecurity
• almost 39% of people on universal credit are struggling to afford enough healthy food
• disabled people and those on low incomes are also more at risk

Why is this happening?

A healthy diet is expensive, especially if your income is low.

According to the Food Foundation’s report, the poorest 20% of UK households would have to spend 45% of their disposable income, after housing costs, just to follow the government’s recommended healthy diet.

In comparison, the wealthiest 20% only need to spend 11% of their income.

This makes it much harder for people on low incomes to eat healthily, even if they want to.

Government support matters

Over the last five years, the Food Foundation found that when the government provides more support, like benefit increases, food insecurity improves quickly.

But when support is taken away, the situation gets worse fast.

For example, removing the £20 weekly uplift to universal credit during the pandemic doubled the number of people turning to food banks.

A recent University of Nottingham study found:

• 85% of universal credit claimants struggle to afford a healthy diet
• 73% go whole days without eating
• 39% never eat fruit
• 16% never eat vegetables

Money Wellness food bank referrals

In the space of a year, we have referred 29,000 customers to food banks, as the money they have coming in fails to cover even their basic needs.

Ed’s story

Our customer Ed has been on universal credit since 2017. He’s picked up bits of work here and there, but nothing long-term, despite his best efforts.

“I have to go for food that fills me up rather than healthy stuff. I don’t eat as much fruit and veg as I should,” he told us.

He worries that by focusing on cost rather than nutritional value has probably harmed his health.

“I know I’m overweight. Maybe it’s a good thing I can’t afford public transport and I have to walk everywhere.”

What needs to change?

The Food Foundation is calling for urgent action to reduce food insecurity in the UK. They’ve suggested several steps:

• make sure wages and benefits factor in the cost of a healthy diet
• strengthen nutritional safety net schemes that support low-income children
• make healthy food more affordable than unhealthy options
• help local councils monitor and deal with food issues in their communities
• establish a threshold for levels of household food insecurity that triggers emergency measures when crossed

If you’re struggling 

If you’re struggling to afford food or other living essentials, and your income is no longer covering your outgoings, get in touch to find out what help’s available. We can check you’re claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to as well as help you create a budget. 

We’ve also put together some tips on how to cut the cost of your supermarket shop.