A quarter of people in the UK face food insecurity

New research shows that food insecurity continues to rise as it affects one in four people across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Data collected by the Food Standards Agency suggests that a quarter of people living across the UK have limited or uncertain access to adequate food. 

The latest Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) Food and You 2 survey was conducted between October 2022 and January 2023, it revealed that levels of food insecurity are at the highest level since tracking began in 2020.

Levels of food insecurity have reached 25%, an increase from 16% since the first study was conducted between July and October 2020.

The survey asked people to specify what changes they were making to their eating habits for financial reasons, 80% of respondents reported making changes in the previous 12 months. 

The most common changes related to what and where respondents ate, with 46% eating out less, 42% of people buying items on special offer more, and 29% of people preparing food that could be kept as leftovers.

FSA also revealed that food prices remain the top food-related concern for 65% people, with 62% concerned by food waste, 62% bothered by quality, and 56% mentioning the amount of food packaging.

Emily Miles, Chief Executive at the FSA said: “The latest data has shown increasing levels of food insecurity and a high level of concern about rising food prices. Consumers are continuing to make changes to their dining and grocery shopping habits in light of these concerns. “The experiences that people are reporting to us are concerning and show the increasing struggle many people are facing with the cost of living.”

You can read the full page of research here.