{
  "abstract": "Background The current cost of living crisis in the UK has exacerbated food insecurity. Food insecurity can have wide ranging consequences on health and well-being. This study explores the lived experiences of people experiencing food insecurity and using food banks in the North-West of England.Methods Data collection included 18 semi-structured interviews (n18 food bank users) recruited from 3 food banks in North-West of England; and a participatory workshop (n6 interview participants). Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes: drivers of food bank use, food bank experiences, coping strategies, impacts on life, impacts on health and support.Results Participants reported food insecurity stemming from circumstances and life events outside of their control such as financial hardship, unemployment and health challenges. Shame and stigma were common barriers to accessing food support and participants reported a significant reluctance in seeking support. While food banks were considered to provide social support and connections as well as food, food bank users reported challenges such as unmet dietary needs, transport costs, and limited opening hours. Coping strategies included skipping meals, bulk buying, and prioritising children’s needs. Food insecurity negatively affected mental health with many reporting increased anxiety and depression. Physical health impacts from poor diets such as feeling fatigued and insufficient nutrients were also highlighted. Families experienced guilt, isolation, and disruption to daily routines. Systemic issues, particularly with Universal Credit, exacerbated hardship. Awareness of support services was low, and access was often through informal networks.Conclusion There are profound multifaceted impacts of food insecurity severely impacting the mental health and well-being of individuals. While food banks provide critical support, they often cannot meet the needs of individuals nor can be expected to. A coordinated public health response is needed to tackle structural poverty, improve welfare systems, and ensure equitable access to employment, mental health support, and nutritious food.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Koser Khan"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Daniel Clarkson"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "School of Social Sciences, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Natalija Atas"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Linda Heaton"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "School of Social Sciences, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Becky Shaw"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P03-1 Living with food insecurity: a qualitative study exploring the impacts on life, health, and wellbeing of food bank users and their families",
  "uid": "68370466-5baf-5533-b140-b5a0626fb6d8"
}