Hunger in the UK

Barriers in accessing healthy food

Buying fresh, nutritious food is vital for people’s health. But healthy food is getting more expensive, leaving adults around the UK sacrificing meals so their children can eat.

For many people – like those with Type 1 and 2 diabetes, the elderly and pregnant women – going without healthy food at regular intervals is not an option. They have to eat well and they have to eat regularly.

More and more people are relying on food banks, but they often don’t give out fresh fruit and vegetables. Food banks are now facing food supply problems as fewer people can afford to donate food in the first place.

Ending UK food poverty

Action Against Hunger started working to tackle food poverty happening in communities right here in the UK in 2020.

We’re pitching in and doing what we do best: sharing our expertise and knowledge to make sure everyone has the food and tools they need to stay healthy.

We know local solutions solve local problems. That’s why we’re supporting work local communities are already doing. We’re partnering with local people so everyone can bring their skills together for the good of all – and for a future free from hunger.

Sustainable solutions to food poverty

Action Against Hunger and our partners make sure the people we help not only get filling food – but healthy, nutritious food as well.

We’re teaching people how to cook great, healthy and nutritious meals. And we’re work with some of our food and hospitality partners – such as Tenderstem Broccoli, YO! Sushi and Pizza Pilgrims – to run healthy cooking workshops.

We’re also working with Somerset County Council to set up a network of food pantries across Somerset.

And we want to go further. Now more than ever, we must all work hand in hand to support local communities in the UK who are experiencing food insecurity.

Working with local community partners

We’ve partnered with groups in areas of high deprivation and where hunger levels are rising. In Manchester, Downham in south east London, the West Midlands and the South West, we’ve set up community kitchens, food pantries and social supermarkets for families experiencing food insecurity and food poverty.

The difference between a social supermarket and a food pantry

A social supermarket is a shop that sells food to people on a lower income at a huge discount. It’s like a normal supermarket with a lot of choice but goods are available at a fraction of the price of high street stores.

Food pantries are similar, but members pay a small fee to join and in return they get to choose their own discounted food, plus they get access to fresh fruit and vegetables, helping maintain a healthy diet for them and their families.

They both buy up high-quality, surplus food. So it’s cheaper and so nothing goes to waste.

What are community kitchens?

They provide hot meals to hungry guests – including people who are homeless, families living with food poverty and people who are isolated and lonely.

Guests can simply come along and enjoy great food and company in a welcoming community setting.

It’s about filling hungry stomachs. But it’s also about meeting others, making friends and beating loneliness.