More than half of low-income parents (52%) have gone hungry in order to be able to afford to feed their children, a study has found.
One in five households that collectively earn below £25,000 a year struggle to regularly sit down for dinner together, because they cannot afford enough food to feed the whole family.
The poll of 1,050 families found that more than a third (39%) have felt incredible amounts of stress about putting meals on the table every day.
Worries about not having enough food in the house arise as many as three times a week, with nearly half (47%) feeling general anxiety about it – but 44% suffer headaches, and 37% lose sleep over it.
Almost two-thirds (63%) said they prioritise cost over quality when food shopping, due to the cost-of-living crisis.
And two-thirds would cook more family meals if they had more money, while 57% would if they had extra time.
The research was commissioned by Crockpot, which is working with FareShare, on its “Meals for More” campaign, to donate 250,000 meals to families in need across the UK.
Lindsay Boswell, FareShare CEO, said: “The research shows that many families are not eating together due to worries about cost, and we know that the rise in the cost of living means more people will be turning to local charities this winter.
“The food we provide does not just alleviate hunger, eating meals together also helps people build relationships, and tackles issues such as loneliness and mental well-being.
“The money raised by Crockpot will help us to continue to support nearly 9,500 charities providing care and support in their local communities, so hopefully fewer families will be worrying about putting food on the table.”
The research went on to find that almost half (47%) have started making simpler meals with fewer ingredients to save money – with 43% cutting out meat, and two in five switching to cheaper brands and products.
Furthermore, 45% can’t stretch their money to cover good quality food, as 58% live payday to payday without any emergency savings.
When shopping, 47% also can’t buy as many fresh ingredients as they used to – with fresh fish, meat, and vegetables the items most avoided due to their cost.
More than three-quarters of Brits (77%) believe slow cooking and pressure cooking are cost-effective ways to prepare food.
And, on average, those polled resort to using leftovers to make a main meal in order to save money as often as three times a week.
But more than two-thirds (69%) of those wish these leftover meals were tastier, according to the OnePoll research.
British Chef, Andi Oliver, who has partnered with Crockpot to create one-pot recipes to make home-cooked meals more attainable, said: “The Meals for More campaign is a project that is close to my heart and personal experience.
“I brought my daughter up as a broke single parent, and I know what it is like to struggle to get something onto the table for those you love.
“I learnt very early on that a tasty plate of food does not have to cost the earth, and it can make all the difference at difficult times when you can bring the family – whatever shape that family may take – to the table, and share something with them that you have made with love in your heart.
“I really hope that these recipes can help people do just that.”
