New data from St Giles’ Pantry network reveals the shocking scale of food poverty in 2025, with those in financial hardship cutting meals and enduring entire days without eating.
79% of those referred to our Pantries reported reducing meal sizes or skipping meals entirely due to lack of money, while 48% admitted to going a whole day without eating.
Chronic conditions are becoming unavoidable realities for those forced to go without food. Maintaining regular, balanced meals is crucial for sustaining energy levels, supporting cognitive function, and reducing the risk of chronic disease. Regularly skipping meals can also lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients, compromising the immune function.
Financial hardship is making those in dire straits take the decision to save money by not eating, including parents who are choosing to go without so their child can eat. Among the poorest fifth of the population, households with children would need to spend 70% of their disposable income on food just to afford the government’s recommended healthy diet.
With nine Pantries across England and Wales, the St Giles charity is striving to address this growing need. Yet the demand is overwhelming—over 1,000 people, nearly half of them with children, are currently on waiting lists.
One Pantry user in Colwyn Bay has highlighted the issue and the support they have received.
*”At the time of learning about the Pantry, I hadn’t eaten in over a week and was living off ketchup mixed with water. I told the lady that I was planning on doing over a Tesco delivery van. She signed me up to the service and explained I didn’t have to do anything I didn’t want to do.
There is always an option for food that suits my needs and diet, and I am always made to feel welcome. I always walk out feeling happy—not just because I know I’m going to eat a good meal, but because they genuinely care, and my mental health is so much better.
I eat at least once a day now and have lots of vitamins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein in my diet. I’ve put on weight, and I look forward to my weekly visits there if I can make it. I would be lost without the support of the Pantry staff.”*
David Adams, St Giles Social business manager said:
“The reality for many living in the UK today mirrors the grim conditions of Victorian Britain. As a society, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that families are nourished, healthy, and supported out of poverty before these problems become even more deeply entrenched and harder to overcome.”
Dr Zoe Bell, Research Associate at King’s College, London said
“No family should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for other necessities – yet in 2025, many do just that. As grocery prices climb, families are cutting back on healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. Parents who want to serve nutritious meals find themselves reaching for cheaper alternatives instead. This isn’t just about today’s dinner table – poor nutrition can affect health for years to come. We need an array of sustainable solutions to fix our food system, making healthy choices both affordable and available to everyone”.
The Pantri / The Pantry is a unique model, offering more than just nutritious, affordable food. On-site staff and volunteers provide expert advice and support; many of whom have experienced the same issues facing the people they support today. For a weekly subscription of £3.50, people using Y Pantri / The Pantry can choose from a range of fresh produce as they would in any other shop whilst receiving support to address the underlying factors trapping them in poverty.
This holistic approach stops their clients from falling through the gaps in services and helps to build foundations to support the whole person and create lasting impact.
Y Pantri Cymru is delivered in partnership with CAIS Social Enterprises / Adferiad.
Read more here: www.socialenterprise.org.uk/all-about-social-enterprise-uk/uk-social-enterprise-awards/
Links SofNFI_Report_FINAL_LIVE 2024.pdf
*Name changed to protect identity