Over a Quarter of UK Children Growing Up Hungry

More than one in four children in the UK are growing up in households experiencing hunger, according to new research from the Trussell Trust, which is urging the Government to scrap the two-child benefit cap. The charity’s latest Hunger in the UK report found that 27% of children live in food-insecure households – where families are forced to reduce the quality or quantity of meals because they cannot afford enough food.

The situation is even more severe for younger children, with around 31% of under-fives affected. The data, collected in mid-2024 as Labour came into office, shows no sign of improvement since then, as living costs have continued to rise.

Trussell’s analysis, based on an Ipsos survey of nearly 4,000 adults referred to food banks, also revealed that having a job is no longer a safeguard against food poverty. In mid-2024, 30% of food bank referrals came from working households, up from 24% in 2022.

The findings come ahead of the Government’s delayed child poverty strategy, expected this autumn. Among its recommendations, Trussell is again calling for the two-child benefit cap to be removed, estimating that doing so would lift around 670,000 people – including 470,000 children – out of deep hardship by 2026/27.

Overall, food insecurity in the UK has risen sharply: from 11.6 million people affected in 2022 to 14.1 million in 2024, including 3.8 million children. Actor Brian Cox, a supporter of the charity who has spoken about his own experiences of poverty, described the figures as “shocking,” stressing that no child should have to rely on food banks.

Regionally, the highest levels of food insecurity were recorded in the North West of England (26% of households), followed by the North East (23%) and Northern Ireland (21%). The lowest levels were found in Yorkshire and Humberside (10%), with Wales and the South East at 12% each, and Scotland at 15%.

Helen Barnard, Trussell’s director of policy, research and impact, said hunger is increasingly being treated as “normal” in the UK, when in fact it reflects outdated and inadequate systems – particularly in social security. She added that millions of people across the country, including pensioners, disabled people, carers, and working families, are struggling to get by.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said the Government is committed to tackling the rise in food bank use, highlighting a £1 billion crisis support package, extended free school meals, and holiday food provision. They added that reforms to Jobcentres and the wider welfare system aim to help people into stable jobs while supporting those most in need.