Struggling to keep up with rising food costs? Here’s how to get emergency help and stretch your budget

Food prices are still rising and it’s putting pressure on household budgets. Today - 1 April - the chancellor is meeting the bosses of the UK’s biggest supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons, to discuss concerns about price increases and possible shortages.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), rising food and energy costs are among the biggest pressures facing households.

If you’re finding it hard to keep up, you’re not alone, and there is support available.

Why so many people are struggling

ONS figures from the start of the year showed that for people experiencing higher living costs, the biggest increases were coming from:

• food shopping (94%)
• gas and electricity bills (68%)
• fuel prices (46%)

To cope, many households are having to make difficult choices:

• eating out less (58%)
• buying cheaper food (51%)
• choosing discounted items (38%)

But for some, it goes further than cutting back.

Around 1 in 30 adults said their household had run out of food in the past two weeks and couldn’t afford more. In the most deprived areas, this rises to 8%, with higher rates among disabled people and renters.

Emergency food support if you need it

If you’re struggling to afford food, there are places you can turn to for immediate help.

Food banks

Food banks are community organisations that provide free food if you can’t afford essentials.

Many food banks, including those run by Trussell and the Salvation Army, require a referral. This is usually arranged through:

• Citizens Advice
• your local council
• GP or healthcare professional
• school, social worker or charity

They’ll assess your situation and give you a voucher, either on paper or by email. This voucher can then be used at a local food bank. If you’re unsure where to go, the organisation referring you can point you to your nearest one.

Other financial help you can access

Grants

Turn2Us is a charity that helps people access grants and other support. If you’re struggling, it’s worth checking what you might be eligible for.

Trust funds

Some companies offer trust funds to help people who can’t afford essential costs like energy bills or insolvency services. These can provide one-off financial support in difficult situations.

Help from your local council

Your local council may offer a welfare assistance scheme if you’re on a low income. Support varies depending on where you live, but can include:

• small cash grants or loans
• food vouchers
• essential items like furniture

Find out how to get help based where you are:

• England: get in touch with your local council

• Scotland: you may be able to apply for a Scottish Welfare Fund

• Wales: you may be able to apply for the Discretionary Assistance Fund

• Northern Ireland: you may be able to apply for Finance Support

What else can you do to cut costs?

If your weekly shop is becoming harder to afford, a few small changes can help your money go further.

Shopping around can make a difference, as the supermarket you usually go to might not always be the cheapest. You might save by comparing prices or trying a different store.

Another practical step you can take is creating a budget. When you can clearly see what’s coming in and going out, it’s easier to prioritise essentials and avoid overspending.

We’ve also put together some handy tips on how to keep the cost of your weekly shop down, which could help your money go further.

Rising food costs are affecting millions of people, and for some households, it’s becoming a real emergency. If you’re struggling, it’s important to know that help is available, whether that’s through food banks, grants, or local support schemes.