Food Insecurity in the UK is fast Growing
The UK imports nearly half of its vegetables and over 80% of its fruits, affecting households and UK businesses with price hikes caused by trade challenges.
Recent data shows the UK’s reliance on imported food is a significant factor behind rising food poverty.
Brexit has also impacted negatively food imports from the EU, leading to new regulations, fees, and delays that raise food prices for consumers.
Weather and Food Production Challenges
Climate change has worsened the situation, particularly for the farming sector. With the past 18 months being the wettest on record, the UK’s crop yields have suffered significantly.
Yields for wheat and barley, staple crops for many, are down by 13% compared to previous years. Lower yields mean increased dependency on imports, driving up costs and further limiting food availability, particularly for low-income families.
Energy costs compound these issues. Rising energy bills, driven by the ongoing energy crisis, have left households with less disposable income to spend on essentials like food.
“I’m a local member of a Methodist church, and every time there is an event about distributing food, you see a long list of people coming to take food. That really shows that there’s a lot of poverty in London, the queue is long enough to tell you: “Yes, people are suffering”.” David Cranstoun, Customer Host, London Overground
Food banks and charities, such as City Harvest have reported an increased demand as more individuals turn to them for help.
For low-income households in London, the colder months can bring additional financial and emotional pressures. City Harvest see the impact of these challenges every day, and are committed to providing support where it’s needed most and helping to deliver nutritious meals to those who need it most. Read more about how the colder months can impact low-income households here.
The Impact on Vulnerable Communities
A 2024 survey by the Greater London Authority revealed that 17% of children and 20% of adults in London experience food insecurity.
This issue is particularly severe for single-parent households, 36% of whom face food insecurity. The report also found that 49% of parents in food-insecure households feel socially isolated, unable to turn to others for support.
As food prices continue to rise, more households are forced to make tough choices. Many families are faced with deciding between heating and eating, especially in the winter months.
While food poverty is a recognised issue, there is another hidden kind of poverty that severely impacts physical and mental health—hygiene poverty.
How City Harvest and Others are Making a Difference
City Harvest plays a crucial role in mitigating food poverty in London by redistributing surplus food from food businesses to charities. For every metric tonne of food it redistributes, City Harvest provides up to 2,400 meals, making a measurable impact on food poverty.
“Redistributing food with City Harvest ensures that no edible food goes to waste, and it gets to those in need.” Says Jason Tanner, founder of The Menu Partners.
In 2023, WRAP reported that food redistribution efforts across the UK rescued around 191,000 tonnes of surplus food, equating to 456 million meals.
For every £1 City Harvest invests in redistributing surplus food, it generates a social return of £6.50.
This not only reduces waste but also ensures that families receive nutritious food.
Moving Forward
The UK faces a challenging road ahead in tackling food poverty, but there are solutions.
Supporting British farming, diversifying crops, and investing in sustainable agriculture can reduce reliance on imports.
At the same time, more streamlined redistribution of surplus food will help meet immediate needs. The work done by organisations like City Harvest demonstrates that together, we can alleviate food poverty and ensure access to nutritious meals for all.
Read the Food Value Report & learn about food poverty, food waste, and the value of working with a food redistribution solution provider here.
