A new study released this week has shown that more than 2 million adults in the UK are now unable to afford to eat every day.
One in seven adults (7.3 million) in the UK is now thought to be food insecure in the UK, a jump of 57% from figures of 4.7 million seen in January, according to research by the Food Foundation think tank.
And it is not just adults going hungry. Children are suffering too, with 2.6 million reporting having smaller meals than usual, skipping meals, or not being able to eat when they feel hungry at all.
It appears that food insecurity levels are now returning to that seen at the start of the first national Covid lockdown in May 2020.
However, whilst early food insecurity at the start of Covid was down to a food scarcity issue caused by 'just in time' delivery models combined with panic buying, now people are instead struggling with poverty and rising food costs instead.
What's more, food banks are now reporting that people are requesting food that doesn't need cooking as they are scared to use the energy to make a hot meal.
The Food Foundation said it was so shocked by its findings that it reran the survey on a larger scale, only to get the same results again.
Anna Taylor, the foundation’s executive director, said: “The extremely rapid rise in food insecurity since January points to a catastrophic situation for families. Food insecurity puts families under extreme mental stress and forces people to survive on the cheapest calories, which lead to health problems.”
Prof Sir Michael Marmot, a public health expert at University College London, said: “If one household in seven is food insecure, society is failing in a fundamental way. These figures on food insecurity are all the more chilling because the problem is soluble, but far from being solved it is getting worse.”
The shadow work and pensions secretary, Jonathan Ashworth, has described the findings as 'devastating'. He told The Guardian: "Boris Johnson is responsible for this crisis and has no solutions to fix it”.
It is hoped that there will be some new measures announced in the Queen's speech today to help people being forced to choose between heating and eating.
One measure that has been announced by the government in recent days to 'assist' the country's poorest citizens focuses around making it easier for low-paid people to work second and third jobs.
Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak recently went on record to say it would be 'silly' to offer more support to people struggling with the cost of living crisis at this time.
Elsewhere, leading energy companies such as BP and Shell have recorded record profits and some energy bosses are now calling on the government to introduce a windfall tax, amid an anticipated £1,000 rise in energy bills this winter.
Feature image - Central Foodbank
News
‘This was built by two girls in their twenties taking their first real risk in life’ – cult Leeds fitness studio announces heartbreaking closure
A Leeds pilates studio loved by many has suddenly announced its shock closure.
Outskultped is a fitness studio specialising in reformer pilates based in Leeds city centre.
As one of the first in the city to offer the the pilates practice over two years ago, it quickly built a loyal following of those looking to get in on the trend.
Since then, a flurry of studios have opened in the city which unfortunately means Reform by Outskulpted is closing their doors for good.
The team issued a heartbreaking statement to Instagram, which says: "We cannot believe we are writing this.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Reform by Outskulpted. The studio will host the last classes on September 12th 2026.
"We understand that this is probably unexpected and feels like a quick turnaround, this decision has not been made lightly between us and we do wish there was another way. We are so grateful for the 2.5 years that we have had at Reform.
"This was built by two girls in their twenties taking their first real risk in life and watching it blossom into a community of individuals has been nothing shy of incredibly to experience.
"We will always be so proud of ourselves for bringing Reformer Pilates to the community of Leeds and seeing it become such a pivotal part of so many routines."
It continued: "The fitness space and Pilates industry is evolving at a rapid rate and unfortunately we are unable to maintain the same speed.
"We began this journey with a £20,000 loan, self belief and our best friend on our side. We didn't have £100,000s backing us in case it didn't work out. It took hard work, resilience and determination in order to get Reform by Outskulpted to become a recognisable brand in Leeds."
A local man is about to sit in a bath tub in Leeds city centre for over 60 HOURS
Clementine Hall
Leeds’ City Square will welcome a crazy stunt this weekend all aid of a fantastic charity.
If you’re walking through town this weekend, then you may see something a little bit out of the ordinary. In fact, a lot out of the ordinary.
That’s because, fundraiser Chris Sylvester is on a mission to spread the word and beat the stigma around drug addiction.
He is the founder of Getting Clean, a fantastic company that make and sell soaps raising funds to support people struggling with addiction and homelessness.
Images: Getting Clean (Supplied)
This weekend, he has vowed to plonk himself in a bathtub in City Square and not move until he has reached the target of £50,000 from people buying the soap.
The event will kick off on Friday 7 August and will run to Sunday 9 August, members of the public are encouraged to "free him" by purchasing the lovely bars of soap.
Reaching the £50,000 sales target will then unlock a £20,000 donation to a recovery support project led by Forward Leeds, so it really is a good cause.
So, how can you support Chris? You can support the initiative by placing an order online, visiting Chris on City Square this weekend, or buying one of their pay-it-forward ‘First Day’ packs which are designed to help people leaving prison or entering rehabilitation treatment.
Announcing the stunt to social media, here's what Chris and Getting Clean had to say: "HELP US SELL £50,000 WORTH OF SOAP TO HELP BEAT ADDICTION
"On 7th, 8th and 9th August I will be at Leeds city square. Just outside of Leeds city centre train station, right next to Thors bar. I will be in this BATH TUB and I WILL NOT leave, until we’ve hit our target. 50% of our profits go towards tackling addiction right here in Leeds, but there’s so much work left to do…"
Georgina Pellant -
10th May 2022 
