ONE in three young people say their family have relied on foodbanks or other community outlets for supplies in recent months, new research suggests.

The Co-op and children’s charity Barnardo’s study revealed today the “stark impact” the cost-of-living crisis was having on their access to food and mental well-being.

Almost half of young people have worried about being able to afford things in the past six months, with one in three saying their family has used a community fridge or foodbank, said the report.

And one in four said 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.

Co-op Group chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq said: “Young people continue to show resilience and ambition to create a better future, but all too often they are cut out of important discussions and policy making decisions that directly impacts them.

“We know that taking a grassroots approach and giving young people a voice on the issues which affect them will drive better long-term outcomes for them and their communities.”