Living in HUNGRY BRITAIN'

One in seven households are skipping meals and turning to food banks because they can't afford to eat*

As the cost of living continues to rise, Britons are facing bigger bills when it comes to energy, petrol, and now even food.

In April 2022, 7.3 million adults in the UK said they lived in a household that had missed meals or had smaller portions because they couldn't afford or access food. Two million admitted they'd gone a whole day without eating as the economic crisis worsens. And, according to The Food Foundation, the number of hungry households, including 2.6 million children, rose dramatically in just three months, shooting up by 57%.

Despite Britain being one of the world's wealthiest countries, the increasing pressure on household finances, with food prices increasing by as much as 5.9%, means that weekly shop is often one of the first expenses to be cut.

Food banks are being used by two million people across the UK, with many requesting no-cook products as families are also struggling to afford energy bills to heat them.

The statistics are startling and are forecast to worsen. Woman investigates the terrifying situation that is faced by millions.

'WE SHOULD ALL BE ABLE TO BUY ESSENTIALS

Sumi Rabindrakumar, Head of Policy and Research at food bank charity The Trussell Trust, says: 'People are skipping meals so they can feed their children. How can this be right in a society like ours? No one's income should fall so dangerously low that they cannot afford to stay fed, warm, and dry. Food-bank staff and volunteers will always do all they can to help people in their communities, but ultimately, no one living in the UK should need a food bank. All of us should have enough money to buy the essentials. We are calling on the UK Government to bring benefits in line with the true cost of living.'

'I HAVE TO PICK OUT THE MOULDY BITS'