Overview
- New YouGov-analyzed data shows 12% of households were food insecure in January 2026, affecting an estimated 6.3 million adults.
- Among households with children, 15% experienced food insecurity, including about 2.2 million children.
- The rate has ticked up from 11% in June 2025, reversing a gradual improvement since the 2022 cost-of-living peak.
- The charity’s Basic Basket Tracker reports typical shopping costs are 33% higher than in April 2022.
- The group warns a prolonged conflict in Iran could lift energy prices and restrict fertiliser supplies, pressuring supermarket prices and underscoring calls from Anna Taylor and Tim Lang for statutory food-resilience duties.