One in 5 low-income homes aren't regularly eating dinner together – because they can't afford to

A poll of 1,050 families who collectively earn below £25,000 a year found they worry about not having enough food at home as often as three times a week.
Almost four in 10 (39 per cent) said the worry about putting meals on the table every day has caused them incredible amounts of stress.
More than six in 10 (63 per cent) said they prioritise cost over quality when food shopping due to the cost-of-living crisis.
While two thirds would cook more family meals if they had more money and 57 per cent would if they had extra time.
The research was commissioned by Crockpot, which is working with FareShare, on its Meals for More campaign, to donate 250,000 meals to families in need across the UK.
Lindsay Boswell, FareShare CEO, said: “The research shows that many families are not eating together due to worries about cost and we know that the rise in the cost of living means more people will be turning to local charities this winter.
“The food we provide does not just alleviate hunger, eating meals together helps people build relationships and tackles issues such as loneliness and mental well-being.
“The money raised by Crockpot will help us to continue to support nearly 9,500 charities providing care and support in their local communities so hopefully fewer families will be worrying about putting food on the table.”
Slow cooking is cost-effective
The research went on to find fear of not having enough food has caused 47 per cent general anxiety, headaches for 44 per cent and has given 37 per cent insomnia.
With as many as 52 per cent claiming to have gone hungry in order to feed their children.
Almost half (47 per cent) have started making simpler meals with fewer ingredients to save money.
Steps include cutting out meat (43 per cent) and switching to cheaper brands