This briefing is designed to provide additional insight into carers struggling to access food. Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, accessing food has been a major issue for many carers. For some, easing of lockdown carries additional worries and concerns. Continued support from volunteers, neighbours, local authorities, supermarkets and local convenience stores will continue to be important for many carers.

If, in the future, there are local outbreaks and local lockdowns or a second wave, it is important that we learn from our experiences and make life better for carers going forward.

This briefing is based on the findings from our survey, Caring Behind Closed Doors looking at carers’ experiences of coronavirus. Specifically, it is drawn from analysis of the 18% of respondents to this survey who reported that they were having significant problems accessing food.

The purpose of the briefing is to set out what evidence there is about carers who have been struggling to access food, what Carers UK has been advocating to the government and to supermarkets on this issue and what we would like to see happen going forward.

The briefing also looks at best practice at a local level in supporting carers.