Six Projects Aim to Tackle Food Insecurity in the UK

The ever-increasing global population has put even more pressure on our global food systems, worsening world hunger on top of poverty, inequality, and other ongoing crises. In the United Kingdom, among others, food insecurity is exacerbated by the rising cost of living. In this light, the UK Research and Innovation is set to fund multiple programs to tackle food insecurity.

Food Insecurity in the UK

Around 7.5 million people across the United Kingdom were in food-insecure households between 2023 and 2024, according to government data. That means 11% of the UK’s total population were unable or uncertain of their ability to get a sufficient quality or quantity of food.

Meanwhile, a study by the NGO Trussell found that 9.3 million people face hunger and hardship across the UK, with their financial resources over 25% below the poverty line metrics. The highest risk falls on children aged 0-4 over any other age groups.

One of the biggest reasons for this crisis is the rising food prices. Data by the government shows that food prices have been climbing since 2021, reaching a 30.6% increase between May 2021 and May 2024. Previously, it took 13 years for the prices to reach the same amount of increase. Although the graph has started to decline, the long period of high food inflation has affected households’ ability to afford sufficient and nutritious food that are essential for their health.

Research-based Programs and Interventions

“Everyone should have access to healthy, nutritious food, but we know the number of food insecure households across the UK is increasing,” said Professor Alison Park from the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). In July 2025, the organization announced six projects across the country to tackle food insecurity.

One of the programs will establish pilot public restaurants in Dundee and Nottingham, which are state-subsided eateries to help improve access to nutritious and sustainably-produced food as alternatives to fast and convenience food. The public restaurants aim to operate as an affordable and comfortable place to eat for everyone regardless of their backgrounds.

Dr. Elise Wach, the project’s lead researcher, highlights the role of public restaurants in addressing the issue of accessibility in forming healthy and sustainable eating habits. She said, “1 in 10 people in the UK don’t even have a freezer. Foodwork—planning, shopping, cooking, feeding, cleaning up—all takes time, and physical and mental energy. It requires you to be near shops that offer decent ingredients, money to buy that food, plus decent cooking facilities.”

Other programs include improving free school meals, community food markets, and food quality in community pantries. “These projects will draw on the power of research to actively explore the best ways to get healthy food into the mouths of those who need it, potentially having a transformational effect on people’s lives, and fulfilling the missions set in our Plan for Change,” said Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Tackling Root Causes

Around the world, people are experiencing food insecurity at different levels. In Gaza and Sudan, for instance, around 1.9 million people are suffering from catastrophic hunger. Against the backdrop of worsening climate crisis and escalating political turmoil, strengthening our food systems to become more inclusive, healthy, affordable, and sustainable is vital. Addressing the direct issues in the food and agriculture sector, from food waste to responsible agricultural practices, as well as tackling other root causes of food insecurity, including multidimensional poverty and climate crisis, is how we can actively make a step forward to a better future for all.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma

Kresentia Madina

Reporter at Green Network Asia | Website | + posts

Madina is the Assistant Manager of Stakeholder Engagement at Green Network Asia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Studies from Universitas Indonesia. As part of the GNA In-House Team, she supports the organization's multi-stakeholder engagement across international organizations, governments, businesses, civil society, and grassroots communities through digital publications, events, capacity building, and research.