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Food Security Assessment

Understanding Food Insecurity Patterns and Access to Affordable Nutrition in Urban and Rural Areas (UK)

Completed Study Published: December 2023 National Survey

Executive Summary

9M
Adults experiencing food insecurity monthly
20%
Households with children affected annually
3M
Emergency food parcels distributed
£47
Weekly cost of healthy diet per adult

Introduction

Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. In the UK, despite being a high-income country, food insecurity remains a persistent challenge—especially among low-income households. This report examines current patterns of food insecurity in both urban and rural areas of the UK, and assesses access to affordable nutrition.

What Is Food Insecurity?

Food insecurity includes both:

Quantitative Insecurity

Not having enough food.

Qualitative Insecurity

Inability to afford or access nutritious and balanced diets.

Levels of food insecurity can range from worrying about running out of food, to skipping meals or going a full day without eating due to lack of money or resources.

National Overview of Food Insecurity (UK)

9 million adults

experienced food insecurity in the past month (2023)

Source: Food Foundation

20% of households with children

experienced food insecurity in the past year

Nearly 3 million emergency food parcels

distributed in 2022/23

Source: Trussell Trust

Key Factors Driving Food Insecurity

1

Rising Cost of Living

Food price inflation peaked at over 19% in early 2023.

2

Welfare System Gaps

Delays and inadequacies in Universal Credit have been cited.

3

Employment Insecurity

Zero-hours contracts, underemployment.

4

Energy Costs

High energy bills limit household budgets for food.

Urban vs. Rural Food Insecurity Patterns

Urban Areas

Challenges:

  • Higher population density creates pressure on local services
  • Greater reliance on low-paid, insecure jobs
  • Urban poverty often concentrated in "food deserts"

Examples:

Areas in Birmingham, Manchester, London boroughs such as Tower Hamlets and Newham report high rates of food insecurity. Inner-city convenience stores often stock processed food, not fresh produce.

Rural Areas

Challenges:

  • Geographic isolation limits physical access to food outlets
  • Fewer food banks and support services available nearby
  • Transport costs and fuel poverty exacerbate access issues

Examples:

Rural communities in Cornwall, Cumbria, and parts of Wales face a combination of low income and high cost of essentials. Limited public transport reduces shopping frequency and variety.

Access to Affordable Nutrition

1. Affordability of Healthy Diets

£47 Healthy diet cost per week
vs
£35 What low-income households can afford

Cheaper diets tend to be higher in ultra-processed foods and lower in nutrients.

2. Availability of Healthy Food

  • Supermarket expansion favors urban hubs
  • Rural and deprived urban areas often have fewer choices
  • Community food projects and co-ops are unevenly distributed

3. Food Bank Dependency

1 in 5 households have used or know someone who used a food bank in 2023

Long-term dependency on emergency food aid is rising.

Nutrition and Health Impacts

General Health Impacts

Poor nutrition is linked to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health issues.

Impact on Children

Children in food-insecure households are more likely to:

  • Miss school meals
  • Show delayed development
  • Experience mental distress

Government and Policy Responses

Positive Actions

  • Free School Meals Expansion (varies by devolved nation)
  • Household Support Fund to assist with essentials
  • Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) for children

Gaps

  • No statutory right to food in UK law
  • Food aid charities call for structural reform, not just emergency relief
  • Universal Credit rates remain below the minimum income standard

Community and Civil Society Responses

Food Banks and Pantries

Trussell Trust, Independent Food Aid Network

Community Kitchens and Fridges

Local community-run food sharing initiatives

Social Supermarkets

Offering surplus food at reduced prices

Local Authority Initiatives

Food resilience and local food growing programs

Recommendations for Improving Food Security

1

Legal Framework

Establish a Right to Food in UK legislation.

2

Income Support

Ensure Universal Credit covers essential living and food costs.

3

Food System Reform

Invest in local food systems and urban/rural food resilience.

4

Health & Nutrition Integration

Subsidise fruit and veg; expand Healthy Start Scheme.

5

Targeted Rural Support

Increase mobile food services, support rural co-ops, enhance public transport links.

Conclusion

Food insecurity in the UK is a structural issue that affects millions—disproportionately impacting low-income households in both urban and rural areas. Addressing access to affordable nutrition requires systemic change, not just short-term aid. A joined-up approach involving government, civil society, and communities is essential to ensure that everyone in the UK can access nutritious, affordable food.

Sources

  • The Food Foundation (2023)
  • Trussell Trust (2023)
  • DEFRA Food Security Report (2022)
  • ONS Cost of Living Survey (2023)
  • Sustain UK: Beyond the Food Bank (2023)