Families 'Missing Meals Due To Money Worries'

One in five Britons who live on low incomes is going without food in order to avoid falling into debt, it has been reported.

The finding was contained in a joint study by children's charity NCH and financial services firm Barclays, the results of which were released today. The research also showed that around 12 per cent of the group had "gone hungry" over the past year due to their money worries - putting many vulnerable people's health at risk.

More generally, a majority (57 per cent) of poorer Britons said that they were now finding it "more of a struggle" to feed themselves and their families than they did 12 months ago, prior to the beginning of the economic slowdown. However, the study authors suggested that better financial planning on the part of the consumer could alleviate the situation - even if the general downturn continues and budgets carry on tightening.

Commenting on the findings, NCH chief executive Clare Tickell said: "There's no doubt that everyone is feeling the pinch at the moment and that those on the lowest incomes are suffering the most.

"But once you get behind the headlines it's not all doom and gloom. It is obvious through our work with families and young people that basic money management advice can help people cut down on their weekly grocery bills and make their food and finances go further."