This research by Co-op and Barnardo’s assesses the experiences, life chances and aspirations of over 5,000 10–25-year-olds. The 2023 study reveals that the rising cost of living sees basic needs become ‘aspirational’ for young people, with many experiencing food poverty.
The study found that basic needs, such as having enough money to pay for food, have become aspirational for many young people, with one in three (35%) accessing food support* in the last six months.
Despite the government’s ambitions to improve opportunities and outcomes through its levelling up agenda, the study shows the stark impact that the rising cost of living is having on young people’s access to food, mental wellbeing, and opportunities for the future.
In the last six months, almost half (46%) of young people have worried about being able to afford things, with one in three (35%) saying their family has used food support, such as a community fridge or food bank. Almost a quarter (23%) say they have started the day without a meal.
The study also found that the rising cost of living is having a significant knock-on impact on young people’s life goals, as making it through day-to-day takes priority. Having enough money to cover basic needs has become the most common aspiration for 9 in 10 (89%) of young people, overtaking other traditional goals such as ‘achieving their dream job’ (85%) or ‘buying a house’ (83%).