Psychology: Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Closing the Gap in Access to Fresh Food Produce to Improve the Mental Health of Food Bank Service Users

Reviews conducted by the UK government, the National Institute of Health and the Food Foundation outline that high levels of consumption of Ultra Processed Foods (UPFs) and a lack of healthy dietary intake (e.g., fresh fruits and vegetables) is the one of the biggest risk factors for the development of preventable, non-communicable physical and mental health issues. Food related ill-health (mental and physical) costs the NHS between £6-11bn+ per year (Public Health England, 2016). 

Since the “cost of living crisis”, the number of people in the UK living in poverty has increased significantly, resulting in many more households facing food insecurity which is associated with reduced consumption of balanced nutritional intake and increased consumption of UPFs. Many households are also turning to local foodbanks for support. While foodbank parcels provide a vital lifeline by supporting food provision, parcels largely consist of items which are UPFs and lack in fresh food produce due to financial and logistical barriers. This project aims to work in partnership with a local foodbank in order to further understand the relationship between food insecurity, dietary patterns and psychological outcomes. It also aims to explore the development of community based initiatives to increase access to fresh food produce and evidence the impact of this provision on psychological outcomes. 

Funding Details

Funding Comment

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

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