The research, carried out by Tesco, food banks charity the Trussell Trust, and food redistribution charity FareShare, comes as the three organisations prepare to hold the Neighbourhood Food Collection from 29 November to 1 December 2013.
The research reveals that 40% of households across the UK have seen their situation worsen over the last year, and just over a quarter say that they have struggled to buy the same amount of healthy and nutritious food that they did 12 months ago.
The cold weather and the pressure of providing at Christmas, combined with the continued rise of fuel and living costs, means that over a third of UK households will resist putting the heating on to ensure that food is readily available for the family.
For those who have experienced food poverty, things are even more difficult, with more than 60% admitting that they will go cold to provide food.
“Signs are that the economy is improving, but we know that consumers are not feeling it in their pockets just yet,” said Chris Bush, Tesco UK managing director. “This research shows how hard it has been for some families over the last 12 months, and we know that those on the lowest incomes in particular struggle to meet the cost of rising household bills.
“We want to use our scale for the benefit of the communities we serve, and through our Neighbourhood Food Collection we are working with charities that are supporting the most vulnerable. The support for our previous two collections has been incredible and I’ve been impressed by the spirit of communities across the UK who have been so generous in donating.”
Source: Tesco
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