Understanding food insecurity in Hornsey

Food insecurity isn’t always visible. In a vibrant and diverse area like Hornsey, many people are quietly struggling to afford the essentials. At Hornsey Foodbank, we meet individuals and families who are facing impossible choices, between heating and eating, paying rent or buying groceries.

Read on to find out why people use foodbanks, what causes food insecurity, and some of the common myths that prevent people from fully understanding the issue.

What is food insecurity?

Food insecurity means not having reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious food. It can range from worrying whether there will be enough food, to skipping meals, to going entire days without eating. It can also involve constant anxiety about food running out.

Recent research shows that food insecurity in London has risen sharply, with around 10.6% of households reporting that they sometimes can’t afford or access enough food, up from 8.6% just a year before. 

In areas like Hornsey and across Haringey, rising living costs have increased pressure on already stretched household budgets. For many, even a small financial change can tip the balance.

Why do people use foodbanks?

There is no single reason someone turns to a foodbank. In our experience, the most common reasons include:

1. Delays or changes to benefits

The introduction of systems like Universal Credit means some people face long waiting periods before receiving their first payment. Others are facing sudden sanctions, administrative errors or changes in entitlement.

2. Low income and insecure work

Zero-hours contracts, part-time work, or low wages can leave households unable to cover basic costs. Even people who are employed, sometimes working multiple jobs, can struggle to afford food.

3. Rising living costs

High rents, energy bills and food prices have dramatically reduced disposable income. When budgets are stretched, food is often the expense that gets cut.

4. Unexpected crises

Redundancy, illness, domestic abuse, bereavement or relationship breakdown can quickly create financial instability. Many people who visit a foodbank have never needed one before.

What causes food insecurity?

Food insecurity is rarely about personal failure. It’s typically the result of structural and systemic pressures, including:

• High housing costs in London

• Inflation and rising energy bills

• Wages that haven’t kept pace with living costs

• Gaps or delays in the welfare system

• Lack of savings or financial safety nets

For many households, incomes simply do not match the real cost of living in our area. When essentials compete with each other, something has to give.