Researchers at the University of Sussex have suggested the cost of a family food shop will rise by £220 a year if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
Researchers said that food will increase by 7% next year in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Trussell Trust the food bank charity said there needs to be a “dedicated hardship fund” to help those who will be affected by the rise in food prices.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accused Boris Johnson of “gambling with people’s lives” by threatening a no-deal Brexit.
Corbyn added, “After nine years of austerity holding down people’s pay, with food bank use at an all-time high and with millions of people living in poverty in one of the richest countries in the world, a hike in food prices will be unaffordable for many families.
“Instead of handing out tax cuts to the richest and staking all our futures on a trade deal with Donald Trump that risks the takeover of our NHS by US corporations, the prime minister should rule out no-deal and concentrate on improving the lives of people struggling to get by.”
Garry Lemon, the Trussell Trust’s director of policy said, “Any form of Brexit risks increasing the cost of food and essentials, and therefore increasing need for food banks.
“We’re giving Brexit guidance to food banks, but there’s a limit to how much we can prepare for and mitigate its consequences.
“The responsibility to prevent more people being pulled into poverty lies with our government.
“We cannot rely on support driven by volunteers and food donations to pick up the pieces, particularly in the event of no-deal.
“To anchor people from poverty as Brexit unfolds, our government must ensure additional protections such as a dedicated hardship fund are in place throughout, alongside an end the five-week wait for Universal Credit payment.”
