A major new survey highlights the impact of the rising cost-of-living faced by UK families, with 48% of parents saying they have skipped a meal to ensure their children are fed, with 32% saying they have done so multiple times. 

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, leading family support charity Home-Start UK together with Cadent the UK's largest gas distribution network, has published the findings of a survey of 2,000 UK parents that shows how financial pressures are affecting the way families eat. The results show how many parents are resorting to cost-saving measures that could compromise nutrition and family time, with younger parents and fuel poor families more likely to be affected.

The survey shows:

• 56% of parents have changed the way their family eats due to rising food costs and 46% find it difficult to meet their children’s nutritional needs.
• 26% of parents have had to choose between cooking a meal or heating their home.
• Young parents are most affected, with almost three quarters (73%) of parents (aged between 16-24) saying they have had to skip a meal to ensure their children can eat.

Parents are turning to more cost and energy-efficient methods to feed their families. Almost two thirds (63%) regularly use slow cookers or air fryers to save on energy costs.

In 2023/24, Home-Start supported almost 60,000 families and has seen the number of those it works with experiencing debt or finance issues increase by 20% in the past year, and 52% since 2020-21.

Home-Start supports families struggling with debt and finances through one-to-one volunteer support and provides energy and food vouchers to support families in desperate need, with support groups, food and baby banks some of the ways in which the charity helps those in need.

Through its Centres for Warmth programme, Cadent has funded Home-Start to deliver Centres for Warmth groups, as well as to distribute slow cookers to families to help them cook food more efficiently at home. It has also distributed carbon monoxide alarms to help families improve safety at home.

Despite cost challenges, certain dishes remain firm family favourites. Spaghetti Bolognese (56%) and the traditional Sunday roast (51%) top the list, followed by pizza and curry (both 38%). However, 65% of parents said they stick to the same recipes because they are quick and affordable.

The publication of the survey coincides with the release of a new recipe book that Home-Start UK and Cadent have developed with families.

The book, made possible with funding from Cadent, is a collection of budget-friendly, energy-saving recipes contributed by Home-Start families. It provides practical and nutritious solutions for families struggling with the rising cost-of-living and energy bills, making it easier to maintain family mealtimes despite financial pressures.

Slow cookers are a cost-effective way to prepare meals, using significantly less energy than traditional cooking methods, while also helping families stay warm and well-fed during the colder months. The recipes showcase a variety of simple and delicious dishes that provide families with affordable, nourishing meal ideas while reducing energy costs.

Peter Grigg, Chief Executive of Home-Start UK, said “Families are under immense pressure right now, and many are making heartbreaking sacrifices. This recipe book is about more than meals, it’s about giving families practical support and hope. Thanks to the support of Cadent, we have put together a collection of recipes by Home-Start families, for families, demonstrating the power of community during challenging times.”

Phil Burrows, Head of Customer Vulnerability at Cadent, said: “The results from this national survey highlight the daily challenges families are facing up and down the country. Our Centres for Warmth, which are located across our network, support people who live in vulnerable situations, keeping them warm, safe and connected and our partnership with Home-Start is a powerful extension to this programme. The new recipe book offers support to families feeling the squeeze, by creating family friendly, easy to prepare meals for slow cookers and we are proud to support Home-Start in this fantastic initiative as we continue to support those facing fuel poverty.”

Supported mum, Humaira is from one of the Home-Start families that will benefit from the cookbook “I’m really looking forward to receiving a cookbook. I’m not a confident cook, so having recipes designed for families like mine will be really helpful. Home-Start’s practical resources, and access to a foodbank and vouchers, has been a huge help in managing our budget. Having a network I can rely on is reassuring, especially as I navigate cooking for my 21-month-old son and balancing life in London on a single income.”

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About the survey:

The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 2002 parents of children aged between 12 months-11-years old. The data was collected between 03.01.2025 - 06.01.2025. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Opinion Matters is also a member of the British Polling Council.