Cystic Fibrosis Trust responds to JRF’s report showing 5.7 million low-income households are having to cut down or skip meals

In response to JRF’s cost of living tracker showing 5.7 million low-income households are having to cut down or skip meals, Ben Kind, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Cystic Fibrosis Trust said: “It’s unacceptable that so many are having to make impossible choices about how often they eat and which foods they can buy. For those with cystic fibrosis (CF) – a condition that requires a high-calorie diet to remain well – having to skip meals or eat less is a serious risk to health.

“Our own report, published earlier this month, revealed that 1 in 3 people affected by CF worry about their finances every day and had to borrow money for basic essentials, and 1 in 5 ran out of food before they had money to buy more.

“We need to see long-term solutions from Governments across the UK to ensure no one is forced to go hungry, and those with lifelong life limiting conditions like cystic fibrosis aren’t forced to put their health at risk.”

About Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease caused by a faulty gene. This gene controls the movement of salt and water in and out of your cells, so the lungs and digestive system become clogged with mucus, making it hard to breathe and digest food.
There are over 10,908 people with cystic fibrosis living in the UK and the population is growing every year.
In terms of the nations the numbers of people with cystic fibrosis is as follows: England 9,044; Scotland 925; Northern Ireland 485 and Wales 454.
Of those who died from cystic fibrosis in 2021, the median age of death was 38 years of age.
Two million people in the UK are carrying the faulty gene without realising it. If two carriers have children, there’s a one in four chance their child will have the condition, which slowly destroys the lungs and digestive system.

About Cystic Fibrosis Trust

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to uniting for a life unlimited for everyone affected by cystic fibrosis.
The Trust provides confidential advice, support, and information on any aspect of cystic fibrosis, including help with financial support.
To contact the Cystic Fibrosis Trust helpline call (+44) 0300 373 1000 or (+44) 020 3795 2184.
The work the Trust does is only made possible by the generous donations from supporters. Visit www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk to find out more about cystic fibrosis, the work of the Trust and how you can help. To support us to unite for a life unlimited by cystic fibrosis text BEATCF to 70500 to give £5