Household Food Security Survey

With the rising cost-of-living including rising food prices, many household budgets are stretched, and people are struggling to afford enough food.  Lower income households are impacted the most and many families are making decisions to cut back on food, including fruit and vegetables, which will have consequences on long-term health and educational attainment.

Food security means access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life.  In the UK, ~10% of households either have low or very low food security. The highest level of food insecurity is amongst those with disability, younger age for head of household (under 24) and households with children (in particular single adult head of household). During 2024, ~3.5% of households had used a food bank in the previous 12 months, highlighting that not all households that are experiencing food insecurity are accessing food support. 

Citizens Advice Stevenage is conducting research to better understand the level of household food security in Stevenage, and….

WE NEED YOU!

We kindly invite ALL residents across Stevenage to take part in this anonymous survey.

The information collected will provide valuable data and insights into the current level of food security and who is experiencing the lowest food security in the Stevenage community.  This will help us identify where support is most needed, help ensure that households who need support to access food are made aware of the services and resources available to them, and to determine if additional food support services are required that will shape future project areas.

The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete, and we thank-you in advance for your participation. The survey will close on 1^st July 2026.

Access the survey via the link below

STEVENAGE HOUSEHOLD FOOD SURVEY 

Food support in the Stevenage Area

For those who are experiencing food insecurity in the Stevenage area, below are places in the Stevenage area that you can get access to food and essentials. Many do not require a referral and there are options where you can choose your own food for a small fee. 

Foodshed

Foodshed is an independent food bank co-ordinated by the Stevenage Vineyard Church. In addition to food, clients can also access household, personal hygiene, pet food and other items available. 

When and Where:

• Tuesday 8.45 – 10.15am @ St. Peter’s Community Hall, Broadwater, SG2 8AN 

• Wednesday 12-2pm @ The Vineyard Centre, Cockerell Close, SG1 2NB 

How to access: Referral required, contact Citizens Advice or Hertshelp (details below) 

More info: www.stevenage-vineyard.co.uk 

Feed Up, Warm Up – Stevenage Football Club 

If you fancy a hot meal and a warm drink, Feed Up, Warm Up at Stevenage Football Club is a great place to go. It’s not just about food – you can also get access to clothes, toiletries, and even haircuts. 

When: Mondays, 5:00pm – 7:00pm 

Where: North Stand, Stevenage Football Club 

How to access: Walk in – no referral needed! 

More info: Feed Up, Warm Up 

Porch Pantry – St Andrews & St George Church 

Need groceries or some extra essentials? Porch Pantry is open a few times a week, and you can simply pop in and take what you need. It’s that simple. 

When: 

• Tuesdays: 8:30am – 12:00pm 

• Thursdays: 12:00pm – 3:00pm 

• Fridays: 3:00pm – 6:00pm 

Where: St. Andrew & St. George, St. Georges Way, Stevenage SG1 1XX 

How to access: No referral needed – just turn up! 

Stevenage Community Supermarket

Organised by Community Help Hertfordshire, the Stevenage community supermarket provides a range of healthy food options and everyday essentials, all at lower prices. The first 8 visits are free and after that a small per-visit fee applies.  All items are under £1, and you can pick up 20 items per visit. They also provide help connecting to other services. 

When and Where: Wednesday 2-4pm at the Shephall Centre, Shephall Green, SG2 9XR

How to access: Self-referral

More info: Community Supermarket -

If you are interested to learn more about the impact of the cost-of living crisis and household Food Security follow the links below: 

Cost-of-living data trends - Citizens Advice 

Trussell Hunger in the UK 2025 

Food Insecurity Tracking | Food Foundation 

UK Food Security Digest 2025 

Need More Help?

If you require any advice or support to access food support services, please contact:

Your local Citizens Advice office Stevenage (https://www.castevenage.org.uk/get-advice) 

or  call ‘Adviceline’ on 0800 144 8848 (Available Mon 9am to 8pm, Tue - Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat 9am to 1.30pm. Calls to Adviceline are free from mobiles & landlines).