Figures Highlight Increasing Food Insecurity

ESSENTIAL items are now beyond the reach of 7.4 million low-income families according to figures released today by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF).

Just two days after Andy Burnham became Prime Minister and committed to creating “breathing space” for those facing cost-of-living concerns, the research reflects the last six months and is the highest number since JRF began running its cost-of-living tracker survey in 2021.

The findings show that 1.5 million households across the country have used a foodbank in the last six months and 62% of respondents said that since January 2026, they had been unable to afford at least one essential item deemed necessary for an acceptable standard of living, including basic toiletries, heating, suitable clothing and shoes, and food.

Zoe Nixon, Director at Newquay Foodbank, who recently spoke with ITV Westcountry about food bank use, said: “We know this isn’t a food problem, it’s an income problem, especially when the price of food has continued to rise.

“Since January, we have provided 4,695 people with food and essential items, so it is sadly not surprising that respondents stated they have gone hungry, cut down the size of their meals, or skipped meals in the last 30 days because they didn’t have enough money for food.”

The figures also highlight how the increase in those going without essentials has grown fastest in the past two years in households not on means-tested benefits, the mortgage free, those without any disabilities or health conditions, no children households, and those headed up by someone over the age of 65.

These figures coincide with the Food Foundation’s latest Food Insecurity Tracker, also released today.

This shows that 39% of participants said it’s more difficult to afford food than it was a year ago, and 41% are concerned about affording food in the next month.

Additionally, it highlighted the upcoming impact of the ongoing US-Iran war and climate issues affecting harvests, which adds costs to food items.

The Food Foundation’s Good Food Bill proposal, which is supported by health bodies, retailers and food manufactures such as M&S, Co-op and Sainsbury’s, calls for a statutory framework through which to improve the UK’s food system.

Zoe added: “We are always optimistic that long-term improvement will be forthcoming across society, but, while bigger picture decisions are made, we are focussed on the immediate needs and longer-term support of those who come to us.”

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