Rising living costs and financial pressures are pushing people into food poverty, with a third of households in the South Cotswolds turning to foodbanks for the first time. According to a report by the South Cotswolds Foodbank, households are struggling to afford basic necessities, including food, due to increasing energy bills, water costs, and housing expenses. In fact, a spokesperson for the charity noted that transport poverty and lack of public transport are significant barriers to accessing help, particularly in isolated communities.
Debbie Black, a resident of Fairford in Gloucestershire, expressed concerns about her ability to afford food in the future, stating, 'With the heating going up and water bills rising, I won't be able to afford to eat before long.' Black's situation is not unique, as the report highlights the impact of health-related challenges and disabilities on food insecurity. The report also noted that people who manage their finances well can still fall into hardship due to unforeseen circumstances.
The South Cotswolds Food Poverty Report 2025-26 makes recommendations for addressing food poverty, including improving access to affordable food, enhancing community support, and increasing awareness of available resources. While the government has introduced measures to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, such as increasing the National Minimum Wage and reducing energy bills, more needs to be done to support vulnerable households.