The purpose of this research was to understand and offer ‘food for thought’ on why young people are living in food poverty and being forced to access foodbanks in order to avoid going hungry.
There is mounting evidence to suggest that the number of people struggling to afford food in England is increasing year on year.
Anecdotally through research conducted over the past year, it has been recognised that young people are not been immune to this trend, with YMCAs increasingly having to refer those they work with to foodbanks for support. Furthermore, an increasing number of YMCAs have begun operating local foodbanks themselves.
However without a set of national statistics on the numbers accessing foodbanks and why this is taking place, it is difficult to secure a full understanding of the situation being faced by many individuals and families across the country.
This research seeks to explain the reasons why young people are being forced to access foodbanks and offer recommendations on how this could be addressed.
If you want to find out more about this research or if you have a query please contact our Policy Team on policy@ymca.org.uk
Download Food for thought