Voices from the foodbank: experiencing food insecurity in North-West England during the cost-of-living crisis

Abstract Background The current cost of living crisis in the UK has exacerbated food insecurity and the associated impacts on people’s health and well-being. There is limited understanding of the extent and depth of the health impacts on those facing food insecurity. This qualitative study examines lived experiences of food bank users facing food insecurity in the North-West of England and the impacts on their mental health. Methods 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants recruited from three food banks in North-West of England. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data. Two public advisors also reviewed analysis. Results Participants described the challenges of being food insecure while accessing support from a food bank and how this had detrimental impacts on their mental health. Four main themes of mental health impacts emerged from the interviews: precarious circumstances, loss of self-worth and dignity, loss of agency, and parental guilt. Conclusions Individuals accessing food banks face severe and detrimental impacts on their mental health and wellbeing. Food bank users commonly reported increased anxiety, stress, and depression, along with feelings of parental guilt and loss of dignity. Consideration of mental health needs is required and how perceptions of shame and stigma can be reduced.