The escalating cost of living in Guernsey is driving a concerning increase in food bank usage, with more families, including dual-income households, relying on these vital services. Chrissy Salmon, leader of Shiloh Church’s food bank, has reported a significant rise in clientele, including many who are seeking assistance for the first time.
Increased Demand Amid Rising Costs
Recent data from the Guernsey Community Foundation’s 2024 survey indicates that 36% of the island’s lowest-income households have turned to food banks for support. Salmon highlighted a shift in demographics, stating, “What’s really changed is that you’ve got two people working in a home who still aren’t able to meet the needs of what family life entails.” This unfortunate trend paints a troubling picture of the community’s current state, exacerbated by soaring rental costs. The latest property price bulletin reveals that the average monthly rent stands at a staggering £2,112.
The increase in demand has placed significant pressure on local food banks. Salmon noted the “extra need” for support, emphasising that the current situation is indicative of a broader economic crisis affecting many families.
The Unseen Faces of Food Insecurity
Simon Fairclough, manager of the Guernsey Welfare Service, echoed these sentiments, revealing that the food bank, while appearing stocked, could deplete its resources in just one week if donations were to stop. In 2025, the service assisted approximately 720 different households, and this year has seen an influx of five new households each week. Fairclough remarked, “I think probably a lot of people have got in their minds the sort of person who would come to a welfare office, well, forget that, we see a whole range of people here.”
Amidst this crisis, local politicians are contemplating the introduction of a Goods and Services Tax (GST), which could impact food prices. Fairclough warned that such a move might deter donations, stating, “You would think that the price of that going up would make people feel less able to help. We just hope that we can continue to rely on the generosity of the community.”
A Widening Gap Between Wages and Living Costs
Jim Roberts, chief executive of the Guernsey Community Foundation, described the rise in food bank usage as “steady and alarming.” He corroborated Salmon’s assessment about the pressures stemming from high rental prices, noting that private rents have surged by approximately 60 to 65 percent since 2018, and by 50 percent since 2020. “You don’t need to think very long before you realise that wages have not increased by a comparable amount,” he stated.
In response to these alarming trends, Deputy Steve Williams, President of the Housing Committee, has suggested exploring the possibility of implementing a rent cap in Guernsey. Roberts underscored the necessity of recognising and addressing the underlying issues, advocating for a multifaceted approach to tackle the problem. “You’re talking about economic growth in the hope that it trickles down to everybody,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of making certain services more accessible, adjusting benefit rates for low-income households, and considering rent control as potential solutions.
Why it Matters
The rising reliance on food banks in Guernsey is a clear indicator of a community under financial distress. As living costs continue to outpace wages, the implications for family well-being and social cohesion are profound. Addressing these issues requires not only immediate relief through food assistance but also long-term strategies to ensure economic stability and security for all residents. The situation calls for urgent action from policymakers, community leaders, and residents alike to forge a path toward a more equitable future.
