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Research Spotlight
As household bills continue to soar and trips to the supermarket leave shoppers reconsidering even the most basic of purchases, lower-income households have been turning up in droves to local food banks.
In the face of this crisis, a team of sociologists at the University of Lincoln has undertaken a nationwide survey, which explores the use of affordable food clubs as a new form of food aid. The findings were published in a report, Feeding Hope: The Impact of Affordable Food Clubs on Nutrition and Wellbeing, which is a significant milestone in the fight against food poverty, as the first-ever survey of its kind.
This report is the outcome of research that aims to make a difference in the lives of so many people. We are very proud of this transformative research and our engagement with local, national, and international communities and stakeholders, which is helping us to better understand social and political challenges and contribute to policy.
Professor Paul Stretesky
Professor in Criminology, School of Social and Political Sciences
"Affordable food clubs have emerged in many communities across the UK, providing people with access to a weekly nutritious food shop, at a fraction of the cost of items in a regular supermarket," explains Professor Paul Stretesky, Professor in Criminology at the University and part of the Lincoln research team. "The clubs are membership-based, enabling households to stretch their budgets further each week.
"Members pay a fee for shopping and then choose products they need from a selection of fresh, ambient, chilled, and frozen goods - offering a much larger variety of goods compared to a food bank. Use of these food networks also recognises people's need for a sense of agency and dignity, allowing them to break the constraints of food poverty."
The School of Social and Political Sciences has gained a reputation for research excellence, with academic staff engaged in cutting-edge studies that are not only pushing the boundaries of these subjects but is also having real-life impact across society.
The survey of affordable food club use involved almost 2,500 participants, taken from 68 clubs across the country, and revealed that members reported significant improvements in their lives, from general health, nutrition, to finances, with 98% of respondents stating they can now afford to eat more balanced meals.
Three-quarters of club members increased their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, while 71% reported that they cook more meals at home. Access to a wider range of services, such as financial advice or employment support, participation in numerous activities, which include cooking classes and tasting sessions, and savings on essential items have also contributed to a reported 74% improvement in overall wellbeing.
"Findings in the report are a call to action for policymakers and practitioners," adds Professor Stretesky, "underscoring evidence which confirms that these clubs and networks may help some households avoid turning to food banks or provide a pathway from food bank dependency. It advocates for the prioritisation of healthy, accessible, and affordable food for everyone."
Prof Paul Stretesky is an interdisciplinary criminologist interested in violence, inequality, and the environment. His research has been used as evidence in legislative debates in the UK and US and has featured in a variety of news and media outlets.
