"I eat once a week maybe": The health impacts of food insecurity

Healthwatch Bath and North East Somerset, Healthwatch Swindon and Healthwatch Wiltshire undertook a project on food insecurity.  They spoke to 78 people.

77% of respondents reported skipping meals due to affordability, and 63.4% found it difficult to access healthy food. Families, especially during school holidays, and refugees or asylum seekers often lack clear information on where to turn for help.

Food insecurity is closely linked to poor health outcomes. Over half of survey respondents reported physical health issues such as sleep problems (47.9%), vitamin deficiencies (45.1%), and dental problems (38%). Mental health impacts were even more pronounced, with 69% experiencing anxiety and 64.8% reporting low mood. Many respondents also highlighted difficulties in accessing GP and hospital appointments.

Many respondents using food support services reported mental health challenges, including low mood and anxiety. Volunteers play a vital frontline role and often encounter individuals facing emotional distress, but they may not feel equipped or confident to offer emotional support.

People experiencing food insecurity face major barriers to healthy eating—not because of food support services, but due to deeper systemic issues like poverty, limited nutrition education, and low cooking confidence. While food banks and community providers play a vital role, they operate under tight constraints and cannot address these challenges alone.