Scotland Survey Finds 550,000 People At Risk of Needing Food Banks
What happened
A survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Trussell found that 550,000 people across Scotland are at risk of needing a food bank over the coming year, an increase of 25,000 since 2024/25. The report also found that one in ten Scots had to cut back on food in the previous three months to afford essentials like heating or transport. Furthermore, 17% of people in Scotland reported that their household had run out of food and could not afford to buy more in the previous year.
From heraldscotland.com
Why it matters
The findings highlight significant food insecurity across Scotland, with certain groups like disabled people and carers being disproportionately affected. Trussell is using these results to call on the Scottish Government to reaffirm its commitment to ending the need for food ahead of the next Budget.
Ipsos initiated a survey on top issues facing the country.
From heraldscotland.com
Who's involved
- IpsosConducted the survey on behalf of Trussell
- ScotlandThe geopolitical state where the survey was conducted
- Scottish GovernmentThe devolved government being called upon to address the findings
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Department for Work and PensionsSpeculative
The Department for Work and Pensions might face policy pressure regarding funding for social security programs due to increased poverty.
- Scottish GovernmentSpeculative
The Scottish Government could face pressure for increased funding and policy changes related to poverty and food security.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- Food insecurity survey puts pressure on John SwinneyJohn Swinney faces political pressure to address severe food insecurity in ScotlandLikely
- Poverty survey puts pressure on Scottish Government to boost aidThe Scottish Government faces pressure to increase aid following poverty surveyLikely
- Scottish parliament may focus on poverty after hunger surveyParliament may face increased legislative focus on tackling poverty and food insecurity.Likely
- Scottish politician Maree Todd may face pressure over rising poverty ratesMaree Todd may face increased demands for policy adjustments due to rising poverty in ScotlandPossible
- Scottish poverty survey could increase pressure on DWP welfare systemsThe Department for Work and Pensions may face increased pressure due to rising poverty in ScotlandPossible
Keep exploring
Part of
Ipsos initiated a survey on top issues facing the country.Also in this story
- Ipsos survey tracked the capability of political parties, including the Labour Party and National.
- Ipsos conducted a survey on financial stress and its impact on relationships, involving BMO.
- Redfin commissioned Ipsos to conduct a survey on top issues facing the country.
The entities involved
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Ipsos
Norwegian market research firm
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Scotland
country in north-west Europe, part of the United Kingdom
Related events
- KPMG utilized survey data provided by Ipsos for a recent report.
- Ipsos conducted polling in South Africa on November 1, 2026.
- Ipsos monitored public concerns in New Zealand in September 2026.
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