What is this research?

As a part of the Trussell Trust network in NI, we contributed to a landmark piece of research just published in June called Hunger in the UK, with a regional report Hunger in Northern Ireland.

So what?

Here are our 6 takeaways to represent the 1 in 6  (16%) NI adults who experienced food insecurity in the 12 months to mid-2022…

1. 1 in 6 (16%) of adults in NI equal 354,000 people. They say a picture equals a thousand words – that’s the equivalent population of all of Belfast and the surrounding district, all food insecure*!!
2. Contrary to popular belief, three quarters of those people (75%) have not used any form of food aid in the last 12 months.
3. Despite that, in 2022/23, Trussell Trust Food banks in NI (there are around 50) distributed more food parcels than ever before, at 81,084, a 29% increase on last year.
4. Forms of disability (both mental and physical) affect 30% of average adult population in NI, but 61% of those referred to our Trussell Trust food bank network. That’s a disproportionate ratio of more than double representation.
5. Food banks are often a last resort – people have exhausted all of their options. The majority (79%) of those referred to food banks in NI are destitute**, almost 9 in 10 (89%) have some form of debt, and only 14% have any savings.
6. It really is about the life circumstances you find yourself in. 58% of those referred to the Trussell Trust network in NI have experienced adverse events*** in the last 12 months, and at least one in five (22%) are experiencing severe social isolation****.

Now what?

In a highly developed economy with competitive markets, job opportunities, and social infrastructure, this level of food insecurity and need should never be acceptable. You can read the full recommendations of the Policy briefing here.

We’re calling for…

• the UK Government to commit to an Essentials Guarantee, making sure that the basic rate of Universal Credit is at least enough for people to afford the essentials we all need. It’s currently £35 short, every single week.
• urgent restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly to provide policies that will protect people from needing to use a food bank, such as the delivery of a draft anti-poverty strategy and the roll-out of a large scale social supermarket project in every council area.
• our local council authority in Lisburn and Castlereagh to design a joined up crisis support system with the close involvement of people with lived experience of financial hardship, rather than the siloed working we currently witness.
• our local public, private and community employers to promote fair work and open up secure, decently paid jobs to disadvantaged groups, using the Real Living Wage.

It really doesn’t have to be this way.

Can you help us build a better future where everyone can afford the essentials? Email your MP and ask them to guarantee our essentials 👉 https://action.trusselltrust.org/nearly-3-million-emergency-food-parcels-guarantee-our-essentials

* Food insecurity means going without or cutting back on quality or quantity of food due to a lack of money.

**Meaning they are experiencing the most severe form of material deprivation because their incomes are insufficient to afford the basics of life.

***Adverse events such as bereavement, becoming sick or disabled, or domestic abuse.

****They stated they had contact with relatives, friends or neighbours less than once a month or never.

Back to News