GroceryAid highlights growing demand for workforce support

GroceryAid has released its Impact Report, highlighting the growing need for financial, emotional and practical support across the industry

GroceryAid’s 2025/2026 Impact Report reveals that the charity supported 19,200 workers over the past year. It found that 53% of grocery workers have experienced tough times in the past 18 months, while 38% say they are struggling to cope with daily life.

Financial pressure remains a major area of concern, with the charity paying 8,395 financial grants to grocery workers, including 2,444 Cost of Living Grants and 1,518 Financial Relief Grants. Demand for emotional support is also significant, with more than 4,200 people accessing GroceryAid’s Helpline and over 11,000 support sessions delivered.

GroceryAid’s efforts to raise awareness are already increasing engagement; the charity’s first multichannel awareness campaign contributed to a 15% year-on-year increase in financial grant applications during the campaign period, alongside a 12% increase in people accessing other welfare support through its website. GroceryAid also reported a 6.4% increase in attendance at its 16 central fundraising events during the year, while its network now includes more than 600 organisations.

The charity is urging the industry to continue raising awareness of the support available, particularly as it expects demand to grow further. For wholesalers, this includes ensuring colleagues across depots, warehouses, driving and distribution operations know where to turn when facing financial or personal difficulties.

Continued industry support, alongside increased awareness and diversified fundraising, will be essential to meeting growing demand for GroceryAid’s services.

To find out more about GroceryAid’s work and the support available, visit groceryaid.org.uk.