Malnutrition and the Cost of Living Crisis
Malnutrition and the Cost of Living Crisis.
Malnutrition in the UK - often thought of as rare - is becoming more common again. A recent BBC Article highlighted a noticeable increase in hospital admissions related to malnutrition or under nutrition, with several NHS trusts reporting year-on-year rises.
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust saw just under a 90% increase in people admitted with malnutrition or nutritional deficiency between 2021 and 2025. At Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, cases of malnutrition or nutritional deficiencies more than doubled, rising from 16 to around 40 over the same period. The BBC also reported that the number of patients with malnutrition or rickets - conditions typically linked to an insufficient diet or lack of sunlight, according to the NHS - increased by nearly 45% in three years at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.
Why is this happening?
The BBC article points to rising food costs and household pressures, which mean some people - particularly those on low incomes -are struggling to afford a consistently nutritious diet. According to the BBC food prices in general have risen by 37% over the past five years. If we take orange juice as an example, five years ago a supermarket own brand orange juice carton cost just 76p, it now costs £1.79 (BBC News) and this year alone Beef has increased in price by 24.3%. (Why are food prices rising so fast? - BBC News)
Even for those in steady work, keeping up with rising food costs has become increasingly difficult. While prices for essentials have continued to climb, wages simply haven’t kept pace with the overall cost of living. Many working households now find that their income doesn’t stretch as far as it used to, leaving them having to make tough choices about how to budget for everyday basics like food.
Hospitals are seeing more cases of nutrient deficiencies, which may reflect people having to prioritise cheaper, less nutritious food. As the cost of living continues to rise, many individuals and families are being pushed towards foods that fill a gap but don’t provide the nutrients needed for long-term health, and the impact is beginning to show in clinical settings.
A Response
We believe the Church has a vital role to play in responding to the growing needs in our communities. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact households across the UK, both churches and individuals can offer practical help and meaningful relational connection, walking alongside people and easing some of the pressures they are facing.
At Jubilee+, we are currently developing policy asks to government aimed at reducing the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on those most at risk.
If your church would like to respond to this growing need, we can support you. Find out more about becoming a partner church here: Jubilee+ Partner Church Scheme
Our resource ‘Responding to a Deepening Crisis’ is a free resource written in response to the cost of living crisis, to help churches proactively support those who are struggling. Read more about how you can respond both individually and as churches: Responding-to-a-Deepening-Crisis.pdf
Listen to Natalie Williams Interview on BBC Radio Sussex from around 2:16 : Danny Pike - 20/11/2025 - BBC Sounds