Use of food aid by pensioner age households in the UK: A scoping review

In the past five years the UK food system has been severely impacted by a combination of events including the pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and the cost-of-living crisis. The resulting escalation of food prices has increased levels of food insecurity however much research has focused on families. Food aid providers have reported increasing numbers of older adults seeking support to access food (1) . Food insecurity in older adults is affected by an accumulation of factors that can amplify the impact of financial threats to exacerbating their susceptibility to food poverty, including decline in functional ability and reduced social networks (2) . Traditionally, services like Meals on Wheels or lunch clubs safeguarded the food security of older adults; however, austerity policies have led to their decline, further compromising older people’s ability to access nutritious food. Prolonged food insecurity increases risk of malnutrition/undernutrition. A scoping review aimed to map current academic knowledge of pensioner age experience of using food aid in the UK and other OECD member countries. Four databases: Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were searched using predefined search terms identifying 4762 papers. Screening of abstracts and full text papers resulted in 30 academic articles that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included in the review. Most of the studies (16 studies) were undertaken in the USA, 8 in the UK, in Australia and 1 in the Netherlands. Most of the studies used qualitative methods (n=22), two were quantitative, and six used mixed methods. Included identified the following 4 themes: (1) Social and Emotional Benefits (12 Studies): Many individuals use food aid services not just for accessing food but also for social support and interaction; (2) Stigma (16 Studies): Stigma and shame were barriers for older people using food aid. Lack of knowledge about available services are significant barriers to accessing support; (3) Quality and Suitability of Food (8 Studies) : There are concerns about the quality and suitability of food provided, particularly for those with dietary restrictions or cultural preferences; and (4) Challenges Accessing Food Support (13 Studies): Challenges to accessing food aid include transport especially in rural areas, mobility affects ability to carry food home. Language barriers affected ability to engage with infrastructure. The scoping review highlights the challenges PAH face when accessing food aid services. In the short term, in order to better meet the nutritional needs of the Increasing numbers of PAH needing support to address food insecurity requires food aid services to respond to their specific needs. Longer term, policy makers need to address the issues driving PAH to food aid. Further research is needed to explore the wider cost of food insecurity across the food, health and social care system.