Oxford University has published the largest study to date on food bank use in the UK, revealing that many users face profound poverty and struggle to afford food and bills. The research warns that benefit freezes and welfare reforms, including universal credit and cuts to disability payments, are likely to drive up demand in coming years.
The study, commissioned by the Trussell Trust, found that nearly 80% of food bank users suffer from severe food insecurity, posing serious health risks such as malnutrition and difficulty managing conditions like diabetes. Disabled people, lone parents, and larger families were disproportionately affected, with many waiting weeks for benefit payments.
Researchers noted that one in six households using food banks had someone in work, typically in part-time or insecure roles. Full-time employment appeared protective, but underemployment left families vulnerable to financial shocks. The report calls for a review of the benefit freeze, as rising living costs outstrip welfare support.
A government spokesperson defended the welfare system, highlighting record employment levels and over £90bn in annual support. However, the study's lead author, Rachel Loopstra, argued that the over-representation of groups hit hardest by reforms is no coincidence, warning that further cuts could exacerbate the crisis.
