Rising Costs and Health Issues Drive Foodbank Use in South Cotswolds

Rising living costs and health challenges are increasing foodbank reliance in South Cotswolds, with many seeking help for the first time amid financial pressures.

Increasing Hardship and Food Poverty in South Cotswolds

Rising living costs, health challenges, and financial pressures are continuing to push individuals and families into hardship and food poverty, according to a recent report by the South Cotswolds Foodbank.

The report reveals that more than one-third of households seeking assistance from foodbanks in the area are doing so for the first time, highlighting a growing need for emergency food support.

Debbie Black, a resident of Fairford in Gloucestershire, shared her concerns about the escalating expenses. Although she has not yet required the use of a foodbank, she expressed apprehension about the future.

"With the heating going up and water bills rising, I won't be able to afford to eat before long,"

Black explained that the rising costs have forced her to alter her shopping habits, often opting for cheaper alternatives. She also noted that she can no longer afford small luxuries such as chocolate.

"It used to be a treat, now it's too expensive,"

Findings from the South Cotswolds Food Poverty Report 2025-26

The South Cotswolds Food Poverty Report 2025-26 indicates that one in three households referred for emergency food support have some form of income. The report identifies rising living costs as the primary factor contributing to local food insecurity. Additionally, it highlights health-related challenges, including difficulties associated with long-term health conditions and disabilities.

Personal Experiences with Foodbank Use

Lou Sampson, from Cirencester, shared her personal experience. She no longer works in order to care for her husband and expressed significant concern about the increasing cost of food. Although she has used a foodbank once, she described the experience as embarrassing.

"Loads of people use it. When I went, there were loads [of people] there. If I needed it, I'd go, but I wouldn't like to,"

A woman in a grey jumper and black glasses with short white hair. She is stood outside on the street in front of shops, cars and a lamp post. — Lou Sampson said she found it "embarrassing" to use a foodbank

Addressing Stigma and Misconceptions

Britta Stephan, support services manager at South Cotswolds Foodbank, emphasized that there should be no stigma associated with using a foodbank, as hardship can affect anyone.

"We have a large number of people who actually manage their money really well… and then something unforeseen happens,"

"There is still the misconception that people who need the foodbank don't want to work and are just abusing the system, which is really not the case,"

Challenges in Accessing Support

The report also notes that individuals living in isolated communities may be less likely to access available help due to transport barriers and limited awareness of support services.

Anton Wynn, head of South Cotswolds Foodbank, highlighted the issue of transport poverty and the lack of public transportation, which restricts access to services and lower-cost supermarkets.

"We have a real issue with transport poverty and lack of public transport, which cuts people off from accessing services and from accessing lower‑cost supermarkets,"

Wynn further stated the charity's overarching goal.

"It's about working together as a community to achieve that… so we can deliver what's best for our community and make sure no one is missing out,"

A man in a white shirt and black glasses, stood in front of a banner which says 'South Cotswolds Foodbank' and 'Together with Trussell'. There is a picture of a woman on the banner with a lanyard and fleece which says 'foodbank' on. The man is stood inside a church. — Head of South Cotswolds Foodbank Anton Wynn said the charity's vision was to "end the need for a foodbank"

Government Response

A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions stated that the government is determined to reduce poverty and is addressing cost-of-living pressures through various measures. These include increasing the National Minimum Wage and reducing energy bills.