Today Centrepoint have published a report on young people and the impact of food poverty them. These are the main findings.

• The cost-of-living crisis is devastating for young people. Many are being forced to choose between paying their bills or having enough food to eat.
• Food insecurity among vulnerable young people has increased significantly, with the number needing access to Centrepoint’s emergency food support rising dramatically by 417% in 2021.
• Young people are paying for the cost-of-living crisis with their mental and physical health.
• It’s unacceptable that young people are having to choose between paying their bills and having enough food to eat.
• If the government is to effectively tackle the cost-of-living crisis and food insecurity, action is needed now.

Centrepoint is asking the government to:

* Strengthen the benefits system

* Increase targeted support for energy costs

* Improve access to emergency food support

• No one should have to worry about what their next meal will be, or how they’ll be able to afford it.
• Let’s end food poverty for vulnerable young people. Sign Centrepoint’s petition here

Youth Concern is experiencing a tenfold increase in the number of young people needing help from our Drop-in Centre.

• 72 young people came to the Drop-in Centre between January and March 2021. 132 came during the same period in 2022 (183% increase)
• Between January and March 2021, 26 young people received information about budgeting, benefits and information that helped them stay in their homes. 253 received these independent living skills during the same period in 2022 (973% increase).
• In 2022, the number of young people eating a meal with us increased by 1027% – and those receiving food and care parcels (eg soap and sanitary products) by 880%

We continue to provide food parcels and hot meals to Aylesbury Vale’s 13-25 year olds.