Half of young adults in Northern Ireland fear food running out, warns Consumer Council

Nearly half of young adults in Northern Ireland are worried their food supplies will run out before they have the money to buy more, according to new research published by the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland.

The report, titled Enough on their plates?, found that more than two in five (over 40%) of 18 to 30-year-olds are experiencing food insecurity, defined as the lack of access to sufficient food in terms of both quality and quantity.

This growing issue is particularly acute for young adults living on low incomes, those with disabilities, food allergies or intolerances, and individuals in rented accommodation. These findings point to a concerning trend of economic instability affecting the most vulnerable in society.

“Until now we haven’t looked specifically at young adults’ food experiences and the findings from this research highlight a number of concerns, especially amongst those not in education, employment or training,” said Philippa McKeown-Brown, Head of Food and Emerging Markets at the Consumer Council.

Alarming Coping Strategies in Response to Financial Pressure

In response to financial hardship, some young adults have turned to unorthodox and sometimes risky means to make ends meet. According to the report:

• 11% took up self-employment

• 9% resorted to gambling or social media monetisation

• 5% invested in stocks, shares, or cryptocurrency

• 3% engaged in sex work

• 2% took loans from illegal lenders

• 2% participated in drug or medical trials

These figures highlight the extreme measures some young adults feel forced to take to secure basic necessities such as food.

“Worryingly, we found nearly half of respondents said they couldn’t afford to eat balanced meals, and almost two in five had reduced meal sizes or skipped meals, whilst over a quarter went without food for an entire day due to money concerns,” McKeown-Brown added.

Cooking Confidence and Childhood Influence

Despite these challenges, the research unearthed a silver lining—many young adults report confidence in their ability to prepare healthy meals.

Nearly four in five (78%) expressed confidence in cooking nutritious meals, especially those who grew up in households where food was cooked from scratch (86% compared to 47% of those who did not have this experience).

“This research brings into sharp focus the lived experience of this key age group, whose concerns can sometimes be overlooked,” McKeown-Brown noted.

“The Consumer Council is committed to sharing our findings and working with others to address the needs of young adults in Northern Ireland.”

Wider Implications and Call for Action

The report calls for increased collaboration among stakeholders, including policymakers, charities, and community organisations, to address the root causes of food insecurity. It also underscores the importance of early food education and financial support for young people navigating the transition to adulthood.

By capturing the voices of young adults in Northern Ireland, the Consumer Council aims to ensure this often underrepresented group is not left behind in broader conversations about poverty, food systems, and wellbeing.

To read the full report please tap here.  

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