Mary Ann Macdonald (BSc in International Relations and History, 2025) has been researching and reflecting upon the current cost of living crisis in the UK. In this blog, she discusses three ways you can help make a difference to those struggling as a result of the crisis. 

The cost-of-living crisis is forcing people to make difficult decisions, with families across the UK feeling the biggest squeeze on their incomes in a generation as food, energy and fuel prices rise. Alongside this, the loss of jobs, fall in incomes and rent increases, especially during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, mean low-income families are affected the most. In the UK, it is estimated that 700,000 people fell into poverty during the pandemic. Increased demand for energy following economies reopening after the pandemic, combined with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that affected supplies, has impacted energy bills. Russia and Ukraine are major exporters of staple crops, such as wheat, barley and sunflower oil. Russia is also a major exporter of fertiliser, which much of agricultural production relies on. From this, food prices are directly affected. Indeed, extreme hunger and poverty have been prevalent issues even before all these factors. However, these factors have now all culminated in what may be the worst crisis in our living memory.

As we are now heading into the winter months, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and feel like we could never do enough to help. The cost-of-living crisis may also be having an impact on our own communities. But I believe we can all at least do something, and do this very well, so it is step along the way to a better place. And, together, all our actions can amount to great change. No act pursued through love and compassion, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

With this in mind, here are 3 suggested ways to make a difference to many during the cost-of-living crisis.

1. Donate to LSE’s Food Bank Drive

For the first time ever, food banks are giving out more food than is being donated. Food banks are also thinking about how they can meet the rising costs of energy and fuel bills which keep warehouses, vehicles and distribution centres running.

1.3 million emergency food parcels were provided to people between April and September this year by the Trussell Trust network of food banks. Almost half a million of these went to children. This is an increase of 50% from pre-pandemic levels. To help respond to this growing need, SVA’s at LSE are setting up a food drive on campus this year before Michaelmas break. We will be collecting for the Trussell Trust food bank in Waterloo, SE1 7QP.

If you are in a position to donate, please consider giving to the food drive to support the vital work that this charity does this winter. You could also donate online to Trussell Trust’s Emergency Fund Appeal here, if you are comfortable doing so.

We appreciate any non-perishable food donations you can give, but in particular the food bank is need of:

• Instant coffee
• Custard (tinned)
• Jam
• Tinned fish
• Cooking oil
• Tinned fruit

For non-food donations, we are looking for:

• Sanitary towels
• Shampoo

Please keep an eye out on the @LSEVolunteering instagram for when the food drive starts!

2. Volunteering and giving up your time 

As well as donating, giving up your time to help can also make a huge difference. Emergency food parcels are desperately needed right now, but commitment to the cause in the long-term is also needed so extreme hunger and poverty in the UK is eventually eradicated. The Trussell Trust has lots of volunteering roles on their website, all with the shared goal of building a future without the need for food banks. The Trussell Trust network, as well as emergency food parcels, also provides compassionate financial advice and signposting to other essential services to help address the underlying cause of people’s hardship.

Here are also just a few, out of the many, volunteering opportunities available on CareerHub:

Little Village Project Leader: Little Village is like a food bank, but for clothes, toys and equipment for babies and children up to the age of 5. They accept donations of excellent-condition, pre-loved items, which are passed on to families who need support. The LSE Volunteer Centre is looking for a project leader to start the first LSE volunteering project with Little Village alongside fellow LSE students, to support the incredible work they’re doing.

Age UK Day Centre Volunteer: This is a great opportunity to gain insight into the issues which impact older people and be part of a committed team in Age UK’s Health and Positive Living Hub. They are looking for compassionate people to help provide a safe and enjoyable experience for the people who attend. Tasks are wide-ranging but include meeting and greeting people as they arrive, spending quality time with older people in conversation, and serving and clearing lunch and tea.

The Childhood Trust Policy/Communications Researcher: The Childhood Trust focuses on alleviating the impact of childhood poverty in London, meeting children’s practical, emotional and educational needs. With grants, they have helped over 50,000 children in the last three years. They are seeking assistance to help formulate initiatives to better understand and communicate issues surrounding children’s social services provision, childhood food insecurity, school holiday provision and housing, to the government and local authorities.

To see more volunteering opportunities, click on the ‘volunteering’ link on CareerHub’s ‘Jobs and opportunities’ page.

3. Campaign for a ‘Hunger Free Future

The Trussell Trust have launched a campaign for a Hunger Free Future, to end extreme hunger and destitution in the UK. The movement needs our voices and agreement that everyone should be able to afford the essentials in life, like food. If we act together, we can build a future where everyone can lead a fulfilling life.

If Mary has inspired you to volunteer, check out one of our other ongoing opportunities or book a one-to-one with David Coles, the Volunteer Centre Manager if you have more questions. And why not follow us on Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date with our events and opportunities and read our blog for more volunteering tips and stories.