Almost 50,000 households in Sheffield are struggling to cover their bills, according to a cost of living report by the council. Citizens Advice estimates 47,500 people in the city have negative budgets, meaning they cannot afford necessary expenses even after claiming all benefit entitlements and cutting spending to essentials. The report notes that poverty in Sheffield predates the recent cost-of-living crisis and reflects longer-term inequalities in income, employment, health, housing and opportunity.
Children are particularly affected, with approximately one in three living in poverty in Sheffield, a rate substantially above the national average. The report adds that years of financial pressure have left many households with depleted savings, debt and arrears, leaving them unable to withstand further financial shocks.
A new community food pantry opened in the Woodseats area as the report was published, offering food and household staples from just 50p. The Community Grocery, run by The Message Trust and Ikon Church, received 14 customers within its first hour. Sara Ody, 37, was among those visiting on opening day. On maternity leave, she described the constant calculations required to afford food, childcare and clothes. She said the pantry would help families through winter as food prices continue rising.
John Lawson, regional lead for The Message Trust which operates 35 stores nationwide, said community grocery stores bridge the gap between food banks and supermarkets. He noted that people who would not have struggled five years ago now live paycheck to paycheck. The trust aims to offer wraparound support including mental health assistance, debt advice and cookery courses alongside affordable food access.