What Youth Workers Can Do to Address Food Poverty

The recent cost of living crisis in the UK has brought the issue of food poverty into the consciousness of the media and public. It is a serious problem that affects millions of people around the world, including the young people who access your youth service. As many young people who access charitable or government funded youth projects could be categorised as vulnerable, it is likely that your youth service will support a disproportionate number of young people effected by food poverty. In this blog post I aim to explain what food poverty is, the effects of food poverty on youth, and ideas for how you can support young people and their families who are affected by food poverty.

1. What is food poverty?
2. What causes young people to experience food poverty?
3. What are the effects of food poverty on youth?
4. Signs that a young person may be experiencing food poverty
5. What can youth workers do to address food poverty in youth?
6. Summary

What is food poverty?

Food poverty is a situation in which people do not have reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious food. It can be caused by a number of factors, including low income, unemployment, sickness, and debt.

There is no one agreed-upon definition of food poverty. However, the following are some of the common characteristics of food poverty:

• Inability to afford enough food. People who are food insecure may not be able to afford to buy enough food to meet their basic needs.
• Inability to access nutritious food. People who are food insecure may not have access to affordable, nutritious food. This may be due to a lack of grocery stores in their area, or because they cannot afford to buy healthy food.
• Insecurity about food availability. People who are food insecure may worry about where their next meal is coming from. They may also experience anxiety or stress about food.

What causes young people to experience food poverty?

• Low income. Families with low incomes are more likely to experience food poverty. This is because they have less money to spend on food, and they may not be able to afford to buy healthy food.
• Unemployment. Unemployment can lead to food poverty, as it means that families have less money coming in. This can be especially difficult for families with young children, as they may need to rely on one income to support the whole family.
• Benefit delays. Benefit delays can also lead to food poverty, as families may not have enough money to cover their expenses while they are waiting for their benefits to come through.
• Benefit changes. Benefit changes can also lead to food poverty, as families may not be able to afford to live on the new benefits they are receiving.
• Homelessness. Homeless youth are particularly vulnerable to food poverty, as they may not have access to food banks or other food assistance programs.
• Mental health problems. Mental health problems can also lead to food poverty, as they can make it difficult for people to cook or shop for food.
• Addiction. Addiction can also lead to food poverty, as people may spend their money on drugs or alcohol instead of food.

It is important to remember that food poverty is not the young person’s fault. They are not to blame for their circumstances. Food poverty is a complex issue with no easy solutions. However, by working together, we can make a difference in the lives of young people who are affected by it.

What are the effects of food poverty on youth?

Food poverty can have many physical and mental health, educational, and social impacts on young people. The effects of food poverty can be long-lasting and can have a significant impact on their lives. Some examples include:

• Poor physical health. Youth who experience food poverty are more likely to experience health problems, such as obesity, anaemia, and chronic diseases. They may also be more likely to experience stunted growth and development.
• Poor mental health. Youth who experience food poverty are also more likely to experience mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. They may also be more likely to engage in risky behaviours, such as substance abuse.
• Educational challenges. Food poverty can also have a negative impact on educational outcomes. Youth who experience food poverty are more likely to have lower academic achievement and to drop out of school.
• Social and emotional challenges. Food poverty can also lead to social and emotional challenges. Youth who experience food poverty may feel isolated from their peers, ashamed, or embarrassed. They may also have difficulty forming healthy relationships.

Signs that a young person may be experiencing food poverty

• A young person may skip meals or eat unhealthy foods because they cannot afford to buy nutritious food.
• A young person’s physical appearance may change.
• A young person may not be able to concentrate in school because they are hungry.
• A young person may be more likely to engage in risky behaviours, such as smoking or drinking alcohol, because they are seeking comfort or escape from hunger.
• A young person may experience low self-esteem because they feel different from their peers who are not food insecure.
• A young person may make comments about food insecurity, scarcity, or hunger.

What can youth workers do to address food poverty in youth?

If you are concerned that a young person you support may be experiencing food poverty, there are a number of things you can do to help. You can:

1. Talk to the young person about your concerns. Let them know that you are there to support them, and that you are willing to help them find resources.
2. Help the young person connect with food assistance programs. There are many food assistance programs available such as food banks, breakfast clubs, and free school meals. These initiatives can provide food and other resources to help young people who are struggling.
3. Educate the young person about healthy eating. This can help them to make healthier choices when they do have access to food.
4. Be patient and understanding. It is important to remember that food poverty is a difficult situation, and it may take time for the young person to overcome it.
5. Cook food at your youth group session. If you have the facilities at your youth centre, cooking and baking are great activities to provide both fun and food for your young people.
6. Create a food pantry or food bank. This is a great way to provide immediate access to food for young people who are struggling. Youth workers can partner with local food banks or food pantries to create a space where young people can come to get food. They can also help to raise awareness of these resources and encourage young people to use them.
7. Provide cooking classes. This is a great way to teach young people about healthy eating and how to cook nutritious meals. Youth workers can partner with local cooking schools or community organizations to offer cooking classes for young people. They can also provide resources to help young people cook at home, such as recipes and cookbooks.
8. Organise food drives. This is a great way to collect food for young people in need. Youth workers can organize food drives at schools, community centres, and other organizations. They can also encourage young people to get involved in food drives by collecting food from their families and friends.
9. Advocate for policies that address food poverty. Youth workers can advocate for policies that will help to reduce food poverty in their communities. This could include advocating for increased funding for food banks and food pantries, or for changes to the welfare system that would make it easier for families to afford food.
10. Educate young people and the wider community about food poverty. This is an important step in raising awareness of the issue and empowering young people to take action. Youth workers can teach young people about the causes of food poverty, the impact of food poverty on young people, and what they can do to help address the issue.

Summary

Food poverty is a serious problem that affects millions of people around the world, including young people. It can have many negative effects on young people’s physical and mental health, educational outcomes, and social and emotional well-being.

There are many causes of food poverty in youth, including low income, unemployment, benefit delays, benefit changes, homelessness, mental health problems, and addiction.

If you are concerned that a young person you support may be experiencing food poverty, there are a number of things you can do to help. You can talk to the young person about your concerns, help them connect with food assistance programs, educate them about healthy eating, be patient and understanding, and cook food at your youth group session.

Youth workers can also create a food pantry or food bank, provide cooking classes, organise food drives, advocate for policies that address food poverty, and educate young people and the wider community about food poverty.

By taking these steps, youth workers can help to reduce the impact of food poverty on young people and their families.

Have you noticed a change in the number of young people effected by food poverty? What methods have you used at your youth program to tackle food poverty?