Ipsos MORI Survey Reveals UK Food Poverty

More than two fifths of people using the services of UK charity FareShare are unable to buy food on a regular basis, according to an Ipsos MORI survey. A separate survey by Communicate Research finds 42% of MPs think the government should have a statutory duty to tackle food poverty.

Ipsos MORI conducted a postal survey of 230 of FareShare's member charities across the UK. 185 (80%) of these groups, which distribute surplus food from food and drink companies to those in need, responded. The study also comprised face to face interviews with 656 people who make use of the charities' services. Most of the individuals surveyed were homeless, and a third were aged between 16 and 25.

As well as the 44% who cannot afford to buy food regularly, the survey found that 36% have gone without food for more than one day in the last month. The full results of the survey were presented at the House of Commons this week by Simon Hughes MP.

Communicate Research's postal survey of 154 MPs found that four out of five Labour MPs think the government is not doing enough to tackle the problem of food poverty in the UK. 54% of Labour MPs and 42% of MPs across all parties surveyed would support a bill placing statutory duty on the government to tackle the problem of food poverty.

Tony Lowe, Chief Executive of FareShare, explains the problem: 'There are millions of people not able to eat properly on a regular basis, either because they cannot afford to or because affordable nutritious food is not available where they live.'

FareShare is supported by more than a hundred food and drink companies including Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, Pret a Manger and Waitrose. The companies donate surplus food to the charity, which then delivers it to small charities that feed and support people in need.

The research companies are online at www.ipsos.co.uk and www.communicateresearch.com . FareShare's web site is at www.fareshare.org.uk.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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