Infant Feeding Support in the Context of Food Insecurity: A Survey of UK Service Providers

Summary

Are you a UK-based professional or volunteer supporting women or families with pregnancy and/or infant feeding in the first 6 months (for example midwives, health visitors, infant feeding peer supporters, family hub staff, or VCSE practitioners)?

Food insecurity refers to situations where households have limited or uncertain access to adequate food due to lack of money or resources. This may include worrying about running out of food, skipping meals, or struggling to afford infant feeding supplies.

The aim of this survey is to explore the barriers and facilitators you experience when supporting women experiencing food insecurity with pregnancy and/or infant feeding, and to identify resources or changes that could help you provide more inclusive care.

If you agree to take part, you will be asked to complete a short online questionnaire (approximately 10 minutes). The survey asks for brief background information about your role (for example professional role, work sector, and UK region) and includes questions about your experiences supporting women and families who may be experiencing food insecurity, including recognition of food insecurity, challenges in practice, referral to other services, and training or resources that may help improve support.

Participation is entirely voluntary. You may stop the survey at any time before submitting your responses.

All responses will be anonymous and kept strictly confidential. Data will be stored securely by Newcastle University and processed in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Findings may be shared in academic publications, reports, and conference presentations, but no individual participants will be identifiable.

As a thank you for your time, you may choose to enter a prize draw to win one of four £50 Love2Shop vouchers. Contact details for the draw will be collected separately and will not be linked to your survey responses.