Latest data from the Food Foundation
The Food Foundation has just published its latest survey data on food insecurity. Since March 2020 the Foundation has commissioned a series of nationally representative surveys across the UK. It focuses particularly on specific groups such as families with children, ethnic groups, people with disabilities and people on benefits. The latest data was gathered from 10,814 adults across the UK between 31st Jan and 3rd Feb 2023.
How do they measuring food insecurity?
They ask each person three questions relating to the last month and six months :
Have you/anyone else in your household:
- had smaller meals than usual or skip meals because you couldn’t afford or get access to food?
- ever been hungry but not eaten because you couldn’t afford or get access to food?
- not eaten for a whole day because you couldn’t afford or get access to food?
Some key findings
9.3 million adults (17.7% of households) reported experiencing food insecurity in January 2023
3.2 million adults (6.1% of households) reported not eating for a whole day because they couldn’t afford or access food
Half of households on Universal Credit (49%) reported experiencing food insecurity in January 2023
The breadth of households included in the survey also provides an insight into the experience of specific groups within the population. The following picture shows the impact on specific ethnic groups:
Another insight provided relates to the impact of the current cost of living on the choices people are making abut the kinds of food they purchase
Following the work of the Food Foundation is an excellent way of accessing up to date information on food security in the UK that is produced on a regular basis. You can also access the data going back to the start of the survey as well.