The Independent Food and Fuel Insecurity Survey commissioned by Public Health Devon, reveals that food insecurity amongst Devon’s households has increased from 17 per cent in Spring 2021 to 29 per cent during Autumn last year.
The results show that 70 per cent of all households with an income of less than £16,190 and children have low food and fuel security, while 60 per cent of single adult households with children are affected.
High rates of food insecurity were also found in households where the main respondent is long-term sick or disabled (58 per cent); where at least one person has a mental health condition (55 per cent); and where the main respondent is unemployed (55 per cent).
Additionally, the proportion of Devon households who have accessed emergency food support in the previous 30 days had more than doubled from two per cent to five per cent.
As a result, families struggling to afford to eat healthily and keep warm this winter are being reminded that support is available through a number of schemes being delivered by Devon County Council (DCC) and its partners.
For details of the support that is available, visit the cost of living webpages on the Devon County Council website.
To view the full survey report, visit the Devon Health and Wellbeing website.