“I was very broken financially and in debt up to my eyeballs… hoping it would go away. Of course it didn’t. ”
Working households are increasingly turning to foodbanks across the South Cotswolds as rising living costs, health challenges and financial pressures continue to push people into hardship, according to a new report published by South Cotswolds Foodbank.
The South Cotswolds Food Poverty Report 2025/26 reveals that one in three households referred for emergency food support had some form of income, challenging the perception that food insecurity only affects those who are out of work.
During the year, South Cotswolds Foodbank distributed 3,257 emergency food parcels, including 1,441 parcels for children. More than a third of those accessing support did so for the first time, suggesting that new households continue to be pushed into hardship despite wider efforts to improve financial resilience and reduce repeat foodbank use.
The report identifies rising living costs as the single biggest driver of food insecurity locally, with almost two-thirds of households citing increased costs or unexpected expenses as a contributing factor. Health-related challenges also feature heavily, with many people experiencing difficulties linked to long-term health conditions, disability, debt and barriers to accessing support.
Anton Wynn, Head of South Cotswolds Foodbank, said:
"The findings show that food insecurity is not limited to people who are unemployed or completely without income. Increasingly, we are seeing people who are working, families with children and people managing long-term health conditions who are doing everything they can to make ends meet but are still struggling to afford the essentials.
"While we are encouraged to see fewer people relying on repeated emergency support, many households remain only one unexpected bill, one reduction in income or one change in circumstances away from crisis. The need remains real, local and often hidden."
The report also highlights concerns about hidden rural poverty. While demand for foodbank support is highest in areas where services and referral networks are more visible, the research suggests that people living in villages and more isolated communities may be less likely to access help because of transport barriers, distance and limited awareness of available support.
School holidays continue to place additional pressure on family budgets, while housing, energy and transport costs remain significant factors affecting household finances across the district.
Despite a modest reduction in overall foodbank demand, the report warns that progress remains fragile. Ongoing uncertainty around energy prices, inflationary pressures and wider global instability could place renewed pressure on already stretched household budgets in the months ahead.
South Cotswolds Foodbank is calling for continued collaboration between local authorities, community organisations, advice services, businesses and policymakers to address the underlying causes of food insecurity and help prevent people from reaching crisis point.
The findings were released at the reports launch event on 17 June at Ashcroft Church, Cirencester, bringing together community leaders, partners, funders and local stakeholders to explore how the South Cotswolds can continue to tackle food poverty and build financial resilience across its communities.