According to new research from The Trussell Trust, more than half of households experiencing food insecurity, and three-quarters of individuals referred to food banks are disabled, either themselves or a member of their household.

People with disabilities and poor health are disproportionately represented among those experiencing food insecurity and forced to rely on food banks, according to the hunger in the UK report.

According to research, 26% of the general population of the United Kingdom meets the Equality Act 2010’s definition of disability. However, these figures are significantly higher for those experiencing food insecurity (48%) and those referred to food banks in the Trussell Trust network (60%).

Disabled people report diverse and frequently overlapping conditions, but all conditions – from mental health issues to physical and learning disabilities – are more prevalent among individuals referred to food banks than in the general UK population.

Food banks are not the solution.

Emma Revie, chief executive officer of The Trussell Trust, stated, “Having to rely on a food bank to feed your family is a horrifying reality for too many people in the UK, but Hunger in the UK reveals that this is only the tip of the iceberg.” An increasing number of individuals are struggling with hunger. This is improper.

“Food banks are not the solution when individuals in one of the world’s wealthiest economies are hungry. We need a social security system that gives people the protection and dignity to pay for necessities such as food and rent.”

The research also revealed several obstacles that prevent individuals from utilising their benefit entitlements. 

This is especially true for those entitled to disability benefits, as most (62%) of disabled households referred to food banks by the Trussell Trust network do not receive disability-specific benefits.

The Trust asserts that the design and administration of the social security system is the leading cause of the financial insecurity that drives the need for food banks. The research focuses on major food bank user benefit issues: 

  • Insufficient income from benefits when they are accessed
  • Additional income reductions from sanctions, caps, and debt deductions
  • It was suggested that disabled people should design social security systems and that all people seeking support should have access to onsite advocacy

According to the report, unpaid carers who assist elderly or disabled individuals face a high risk of poverty and economic hardship. Due to the dearth of affordable replacement care in the UK, many unpaid carers are either unable to work or have limited work hours. 

It can take much work to juggle such caring obligations with paid employment. To maintain this balance, many carers work part-time, which frequently limits them to lower-paying employment.