WORKING parents who qualify for benefits which have been frozen by the government are most likely to have to rely on foodbanks, according to a newly published study.

Seven out of 10 households which receive supplies from its foodbanks have dependent children.

Out of the families surveyed, four out of five with children under the age of 16 are classed as living with severe food insecurity, according to Sheffield University’s political economy research institute.

This means they had skipped meals, sometimes for days.

Single parents who use foodbanks were most likely to report they were struggling with the rising costs of food and housing.

The report’s leading author Dr Rachel Loopstra said: “Our findings draw urgent attention to the severe food insecurity and poverty experienced by families with children who are receiving help from foodbanks.

“Low-income families with children have experienced significant reductions in welfare entitlements in recent years, and entitlements will be reduced further for low-income families given changes to child tax credits and the ongoing benefit freeze in the context of rising living costs.”

She said that if financial support is not increased for low-income families with children, it is likely more children and their parents will continue to need to use foodbanks.

Ms Loopstra continued: “A national survey is needed to monitor vulnerability to this serious problem among households with children.”

Trussell Trust chief executive Emma Revie warned that the situation is only expected to get worse for working families who are likely to be worse-off under universal credit.

She said: “As a nation, we value justice and compassion, particularly for our children, but this research shows families across Britain are locked in poverty, with incomes so low they are unable even to afford to put food on their children’s plates.

“These findings are particularly concerning when we are braced for further real-terms reductions in the very working-age benefits that should be protecting these families and children from poverty and hunger in the first place.”

Networks of foodbanks will continue to ensure food and support is given to families facing hunger for the moment, but the government should work towards removing its cap on working-age benefits, she added.

“There should be no higher priority than ensuring all UK families can afford to put food on the table when their children are hungry.”