South Cotswold Food Poverty Report 2025

The release of Cirencester Foodbank's 2025 Cotswold Food Poverty report has revealed the persistent – and often hidden – scale of food poverty in the South Cotswolds.

It outlines the challenges local people face that drive them into needing to turn to food banks for support, along with calls to action that could help turn the tide on the number of people needing food aid.

Anton Wynn, Head of Cirencester Foodbank, said: “This report confirms what many of us on the frontline already know: hunger in our communities isn’t caused by a lack of food – it’s driven by a lack of income. Behind every food parcel is a complex story of rising costs, poor access to support, and people slipping through the cracks.”

“Families remain on a knife edge – particularly during school holidays – with rising living costs, benefit shortfalls, and the erosion of support roles in schools leaving many without a safety net.” Despite a small reduction in overall foodbank use compared to the previous year, thanks in part to targeted financial support and grassroots initiatives, the report found that 37% of clients were first-time users, many experiencing sudden financial crises such as redundancy or spiralling energy bills. The report also highlights unique rural challenges in areas such as Fairford, Lechlade, and Tetbury, where transport barriers, limited services, and social stigma often prevent people from accessing the support they need."