Date: Wednesday 28 January, 2026
Allotments Prove to Be a Valuable Resource for UK Households Facing Rising Food Costs
The National Allotment Society has highlighted the significant role that allotments play in helping households cope with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis in the UK. With inflation on the rise and consumer confidence at an all-time low, allotments provide a valuable source of food security and financial savings for many families.
According to recent data, food prices have been a major contributor to the increase in UK inflation. In this challenging economic climate, allotment holders have reported saving hundreds of pounds per year by growing their own fruits and vegetables. They also have access to fresh, seasonal produce that would otherwise be difficult to afford. In Brighton & Hove, allotments have been found to produce the equivalent of £1.12 million worth of food annually, demonstrating their significant financial impact on local communities. (Brighton & Hove Food Partnership)
John Irwin, interim President for the National Allotment Society, stated, “Allotments have always provided practical support for households, and their importance is only reinforced in the current economic climate. For many people, growing their own food is the difference between making ends meet and struggling. With a small plot of land, they can produce a substantial amount of food at a relatively low cost.”
With the demand for allotments remaining high, waiting lists in many areas continue to stretch for years. This highlights the growing need for reliable ways to manage food costs and reduce dependence on expensive supermarket produce. The Bank of England has also warned that inflationary pressures are likely to persist, indicating that household budgets may continue to face strain for the foreseeable future. The National Allotment Society believes that access to allotment space is a vital form of long-term resilience for communities during these challenging times.
Apart from the financial savings, allotments also offer other benefits, such as improved mental health, gentle physical activity, and strong community support networks. “During periods of economic pressure, the social value of allotments is just as significant as the food they produce,” said John. “They are places where people share skills, seeds, and surplus crops, supporting each other through difficult times.”
The National Allotment Society is urging councils and policymakers to protect existing allotment land and invest in new sites. They warn that despite the sustained demand, access to growing space is becoming increasingly unequal. “Allotments are a low-cost, high-impact resource that already exists in communities. Protecting and expanding them should be seen as a practical response to the cost-of-living crisis, not a luxury.”
For more information, please contact:
www.thenas.org.uk
