Disability, Food Insecurity, and the Cost-of-Living Crisis

The cost-of-living crisis is defined as “a term … to describe the effects of the rising cost of food and energy”, and Food Insecurity as “the limited or uncertain access to nutritious food”. 

Last Year, the Coalition reported that 97% of members surveyed had been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, 45% told us that they had gone without food and 62% had not used their local food bank or community fridge.  

In a follow up report on Disabled People’s views on food support in Surrey, The Coalition found 59% could not get to their nearest food bank. In April 2024, the Coalition – in partnership with Good Company and funded by Surrey County Council – launched Access to Food to address this challenge.  

The Access to Food scheme provides funding to people struggling with the cost of living who may also have difficulty, due to disability or long-term health condition, getting to their local food bank.   

Food banks give emergency food parcels to households, and some may offer additional support such as signposting to services that provide school uniforms, toys and furniture for free; or refer individuals to energy-saving and cookery courses, and counselling.  

The scheme covers the cost of a taxi ride to a local food bank. Access to Food is awarded once per household (not person) every 3 months and are on a first-come first-serve basis.  

To apply, please go to: Access to Food – Surrey Coalition of Disabled People

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