A quarter of parents have cut back on the quantity of food they buy in order to afford essentials such as energy bills, survey reveals as charities warn of a ‘public health emergency’.
The charities National Energy Action (NEA) and The Food Foundation have warned that energy price rises will harm children’s development this winter.
A YouGov survey of 4,000 UK households, commissioned by the charities, found that 24% of parents have cut back on the quantity of food, while 28% say they have cut back on the quality.
More than one in 10 parents (13%) have eaten cold meals or ones that don’t require cooking to save money on energy bills.
The survey also showed that two thirds of all parents (67%) say they are worried that the increasing energy prices will mean they have less money to buy food for their household.
More than half (51%) said that they are worried?about the coming winter and its impact on their family's health.
Adam Scorer, chief executive at National Energy Action, said: ‘People have had to choose between heating and eating. This winter millions will not have even that choice. The most vulnerable, including children, will be cold and hungry as energy prices spiral, despite Government support.
‘Energy bills almost doubling in a year is unaffordable for millions and our survey shows people are already cutting back on the quality of what they eat as well as the quantity. The impacts on health and wellbeing are devastating and will only get worse after Saturday’s price rises. It’s a public health emergency. More targeted and enduring support, like an energy social tariff, is crucial if the most vulnerable are to get through winter warm and fed.’
