09/10/2026
No one should have to face hunger: why food poverty matters in our community
As the cost of essentials continues to put pressure on household budgets, Loveworks Foodbank reflects on why food insecurity remains a pressing issue — and why no one should have to go without the food they need.
For many people, the rising cost of living is more than a headline. It is a daily struggle to make ends meet, weighing up which essential can be put off until next week, or deciding whether to pay an unexpected bill or buy enough food.
Across the UK, millions of people are facing impossible choices about how to afford the essentials. New figures published by the House of Commons Library in September 2026 show that 6 million people — 9% of the UK population — lived in households experiencing food insecurity in 2024/25. This included 14% of children. Meanwhile, figures from The Food Foundation published in July 2026 found that 12.2% of UK households were experiencing food insecurity.
Behind every statistic is a person, a family or a household trying to get by.
Hunger is not a choice
It is easy to assume that food insecurity affects only people who are out of work. The reality is much more complex. People can be working hard and still struggle to afford food after paying for housing, energy, transport and other essential costs.
A sudden change in circumstances, an illness, a relationship breakdown or an unexpected expense can leave a household with too little money to cover the basics. For others, the pressure builds gradually as everyday costs consume an ever-greater share of their income.
When money runs out, people are often forced to make decisions no one should have to face: skipping meals, eating less so their children can eat, or going without fresh food to make the budget stretch further.
Food insecurity is not a personal failing. It is a sign that people do not have enough resources to meet their basic needs.
The human impact of food poverty
At Loveworks Foodbank, we believe everyone deserves access to sufficient, nutritious food and to be treated with dignity and respect.
Emergency food support can provide vital breathing space when someone is struggling. It can help a family put meals on the table while they navigate a difficult period and work towards greater financial stability.
But food parcels alone cannot solve the underlying causes of hunger. If household incomes do not cover the cost of essentials, people can remain trapped in a cycle of difficult choices and constant worry.
That is why the wider conversation matters. We need to recognise the pressures facing households, challenge the stigma that can surround asking for help, and work towards a society where everyone has enough money for the essentials.
A community that cares
Local communities have an important role to play. Donations of food and funds, volunteering, fundraising and support from local businesses all help ensure that people experiencing hardship can access practical help when they need it.
At Loveworks, the kindness and generosity of our community make this support possible. Every donation and every hour volunteered is an opportunity to stand alongside people facing difficult circumstances.
We also encourage people to remember that food insecurity is not always visible. Someone who appears to be coping may be struggling behind closed doors. A little understanding can make it easier for someone to ask for help without fear of judgement.
Working towards a future without hunger
Foodbanks are an essential source of emergency support, but emergency food should not be the only answer to hunger. Everyone should be able to afford food, pay their bills and live with dignity without having to rely on charitable support to survive.
Until that becomes a reality, Loveworks Foodbank will continue to play its part in supporting people in our local community.
Because no one should have to choose between heating their home and feeding their family. No one should have to go hungry because their income does not cover the basics. And no one should feel ashamed to ask for help.
Together, we can support our neighbours today while working towards a future where everyone has enough to live on.
To find out more about Loveworks Foodbank, how to donate or how to volunteer, visit loveworks.org.uk.
