A new report has revealed the shocking scale of food insecurity in the UK, with 7.2 million households struggling to afford healthy meals.
The report, ‘Your Place at the Table’, published today by FoodCycle (a charity that transforms surplus food into free, nutritious community meals), in partnership with the British Nutrition Foundation, reveals that the poorest 20% of households would need to spend 50% of their disposable income in order to meet the government-recommended healthy eating guidelines, compared to just 11% for the wealthiest households.
For many, healthy eating is quickly becoming a luxury they simply cannot afford.
Why is healthy food becoming unaffordable?
The escalating cost of living crisis is a significant driver. Food prices have soared, making basic nutritious items like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins too expensive for the most vulnerable in society.
In fact, a new report from the Food Foundation – published last week – revealed that 1,000 calories of healthy food (such as fresh fruits and vegetables) now costs £8.80, compared to just £4.30 for the same calorie count of processed foods.
As a result, many families are turning to cheaper, less healthy options, which tend to be ultra-processed, and higher in sugar, fat, and salt. These foods contribute to the rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and poor mental health – conditions that are already placing a massive strain (£19.6 billion, to be exact) on the NHS.
The impact of poor diets
Poor diets have a profound and far-reaching impact on both individual health and the national economy.
According to the Food Standards Agency, poor diet now accounts for 13% of all deaths in the UK, with nearly 75,000 premature deaths annually due to diet-related diseases – including 17,000 deaths among people aged 15-70.
And, this impact of poor diet is disproportionately felt by those in lower-income communities – where families are more likely to be living with obesity and chronic health conditions. According to the NHS, one in four adults and one in five children aged 10-11 are currently living with obesity, with these figures being even higher in more deprived areas.
So, what can be done?
The ‘Your Place at the Table’ report shows the crucial role of community dining initiatives – and how they’re a lifeline for many people.
The charity FoodCycle currently serves free, nutritious three-course meals to anyone in need, in over 100 locations across England and Wales. Their model aims to reduce food waste, alleviate food insecurity, and promote healthier eating habits within communities.
Sophie Tebbetts, CEO of FoodCycle, is urging the UK government to recognise the crucial role of community dining services in its food strategy. ‘This report clearly shows the potential long-term impact that community dining can have on our nation’s health,’ she says. ‘We want the government to recognise the unique and important role that community dining services, such as FoodCycle, can play in the development and delivery of their food strategy.’
The ‘Your Place at the Table’ report highlights how community dining not only provides immediate relief but also encourages individuals to make healthier food choices.
According to a recent survey, FoodCycle found that:
- 71% of FoodCycle guests had tried or purchased fruits and vegetables they wouldn’t normally eat after attending community meals.
- 70% reported making positive changes to their eating habits, influenced by the social aspect of dining together.
The call for urgent government action
FoodCycle is urging Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and policymakers to use these findings to drive change.
The charity wants to see more funding, awareness, and support for community-led food initiatives, which have been proven to improve health, reduce social isolation, and prevent food waste.
‘This report is proof that small community-led initiatives can make a profound impact,’ adds Tebbetts. ‘At FoodCycle, we believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious food, and the opportunity to thrive – not just survive.’
To address the growing food poverty crisis, FoodCycle is calling for:
- Increased government funding for community dining initiatives.
- Support for affordable, healthy food programs in deprived areas.
- More public awareness of the health benefits of community-led food programmes.
While no single solution can fix the UK’s broken food system, community dining offers a scalable, immediate, and effective intervention. FoodCycle is calling for the government to act now in order to prevent millions more from being locked out of a healthy diet.
To learn more about FoodCycle’s work and how to support local initiatives or to volunteer, visit foodcycle.org.uk
Read next:
Cut through the noise and get practical, expert advice, home workouts, easy nutrition and more direct to your inbox. Sign up to the WOMEN’S HEALTH NEWSLETTER
