Adults who have served in the UK’s armed forces are almost twice as likely to have run out of food than those who have not, new research has found.
According to anti-poverty charity Trussell, 27% of veterans ran out of food in the last year and could not afford to buy more, compared to 14% of people who had not served in the armed forces.
A further survey of veterans in England and Wales revealed that 28% had gone without essentials like medical or dental care, essential journeys, adequate clothing or food in the past six months.
One in seven (14%) had used a food bank in the past year.
Trussell’s director of policy, Helen Barnard, said: ‘It’s shocking that veterans in this country are experiencing this level of hardship.
‘The UK Government must swiftly build on its action in last month’s Budget to tackle hardship in our communities, to meet their manifesto commitment to end the need for emergency food.
‘This must include further updates to our social security system to ensure it is fit for purpose, recognising the needs of groups who are at particular risk of hardship, including veterans.’
