Understanding ethnic variations in the prevalence and experience of food insecurity, and its interaction with mental health: A mixed-methods longitudinal research programme

There has been a sharp rise in food-bank use since 2010, suggesting increasing numbers of people without access to affordable, nutritious food (food insecurity). Research from North America shows food insecurity damages mental health and varies by ethnic group, but this has not been studied in the UK. I will investigate how food insecurity and its relationship with mental health varies among UK ethnic groups. I will explore this at a national level, using survey data, and by interviewing 30 food-bank clients from different ethnic groups on three occasions. I will combine survey and interview data in a new theory on insecurity and ethnicity in present-day UK. The research will improve understanding of the groups affected by food insecurity and poor mental health. It will help policy-makers develop policies to target food insecurity and mental health. In showing how clients access food-banks overtime, it will help NGOs provide long-term support.