Vulnerable young people are going hungry to pay the bills. End food poverty now!
- The Petition
- 1,101 Comments
"My hands were on my stomach because I was starving and I couldn't even sleep because of hunger. Everything was popping in my mind again and again. I was really depressed because I did not have food.”
- Aisha, Yorkshire
The cost of living crisis is getting worse
Inflation is historically high, energy costs are soaring, rent and food prices are going up, and there’s talk of a recession.
The consequences for young people are devastating. Many are being forced to choose between paying their bills or sacrificing their food.
Food poverty among vulnerable young people has increased significantly, with the number of young people needing to access Centrepoint’s emergency food support rising dramatically by 417% in 2021.
A third of vulnerable young people often go without food for a whole day due to lack of money.
Young people are having to pay for the cost of living crisis with their mental and physical health
Some are using their student bursaries to buy food and essential items, rather than using the money for school equipment. Some, unable to afford their rent, are being evicted and turning to crime.
The difficulties experienced by vulnerable young people faced with food poverty have put noticeable pressure on their mental health too. Centrepoint notes a significant increase in demand for its mental health service.
We’re taking the Government to task
Vulnerable young people are going hungry every day and living at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis. It’s time to strengthen the benefits system so that no-one has to choose between eating and paying the bills.
We're calling on the government to do the following:
- Uprate benefits to reflect the real cost of living.
- Remove the five-week wait for the first Universal Credit payment.
- Offer the choice of more regular payments i.e. every 2 weeks
We’re building a movement of people to support every young person and their future. It starts with ensuring that vulnerable young people are not going without the basic necessities.
No one should have to worry about what their next meal will be, or how they’ll be able to afford it.
Add your name to call on the UK Government to commit to sufficiently supporting those at the sharpest end of the cost of living crisis, by investing in a level of social security that people can live on.
