How can autumn impact households?
As the vibrant colours of autumn arrive and the temperature drops, many of us look forward to the coziness of the season. From hot drinks to warm meals, autumn is a time for comfort. However, for low-income households in London, the colder months can bring additional financial and emotional pressures. At City Harvest, we see the impact of these challenges every day, and we’re committed to providing support where it’s needed most and helping to deliver nutritious meals to those who need it most.
5 Ways the Autumn Season Affects Low-Income Households:
1. Higher Energy Bills
With autumn temperatures dropping, many households face higher energy bills due to heating. For those already struggling financially, this means impossible choices between heating their homes and feeding their families. According to the UK’s Energy Saving Trust, heating accounts for over 70% of energy usage in colder months. This forces many families to cut back on essentials like food to cover these heating costs.
City Harvest provides free, nutritious meals to low-income families, easing the financial strain of prioritising heating over food. By redistributing surplus food to those in need, we ensure no one chooses between warmth and nourishment. In October alone, City Harvest distributed over 1.5 million meals, helping more Londoners stay nourished as costs rise.
2. School Holidays and Extra Childcare Costs
Autumn brings half-term breaks, which adds extra pressure on low-income families. As a result, childcare costs rise as parents scramble to find affordable options. Additionally, with children at home, grocery bills increase as families provide extra meals and snacks. Consequently, for many families, this worsens food insecurity, as they struggle to afford enough food, especially nutritious meals.
To address this, City Harvest partners with community centres, schools, and clubs to provide meals to children during school breaks. In doing so, we ensure that no child goes hungry during the holidays. Furthermore, by delivering healthy, ready-to-eat food, we help relieve parents’ financial strain, ultimately saving them both time and money.
3. Limited Access to Fresh, Seasonal Produce
Autumn brings delicious, seasonal produce like squash, apples, and root vegetables. However, fresh food often remains out of reach for low-income families. With tight budgets, families opt for cheaper, highly processed foods that are less nutritious. This affects physical health and contributes to poor mental well-being, as nutritious meals impact energy and mood. Make sure to use all the food in your kitchen to avoid waste. Learn more about food waste reduction here.
City Harvest prioritises redistributing fresh, seasonal produce rescued from supermarkets, farms, and restaurants. By providing fresh fruit and vegetables, we offer healthier food options for low-income households.
4. Holiday Stress and Financial Pressures
Autumn brings the excitement of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the festive season. For low-income families, these celebrations can cause stress and financial strain. Many parents feel pressured to spend money they don’t have on costumes, decorations, and holiday treats. This financial stress worsens anxieties about food insecurity, especially as the holiday season approaches.
City Harvest ensures vulnerable families enjoy nutritious meals during the holidays without financial strain. We collaborate with charities to create special meal kits and food parcels for holiday periods. For Halloween, we’ve partnered with food brands to distribute festive snacks to children in low-income areas. This ensures everyone can enjoy the season’s festivities without added costs.
5. Shorter Days, Longer Nights, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
As the days get shorter and the nights grow longer, many people begin to experience the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Specifically, SAD is a type of depression triggered by the change in seasons, with symptoms worsening as daylight decreases. For low-income families already dealing with financial stress, food insecurity, and other pressures, the mental health impact of SAD can be even more significant. Moreover, the lack of access to nutritious food can further exacerbate feelings of exhaustion and low energy, as diet plays a crucial role in mental health.
In response, City Harvest plays a vital role in supporting both the mental and physical health of low-income families by consistently providing access to healthy, balanced meals. Additionally, our network of community partners offers not only food but also emotional support, creating a more holistic approach to wellness. By delivering nutritious meals to local organisations, shelters, and food banks, we help ensure that, even during the toughest months, families have access to food that nourishes both body and mind.
At City Harvest, we believe no one should go hungry, especially when so much food is being wasted. By supporting our work, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of low-income households in London this autumn.
City Harvest Rescues the Planet
City Harvest’s food rescue mission helps to prevent needless GHG emissions from food waste in landfill. Learn more about how our planet-friendly operation, and how you can help!
