For a larger image, click here. (H/T ChildrensRights.ie/Twitter)

A MAJOR NEW report from the OECD has highlighted the growing problem of food poverty in Ireland.

Among figures about unemployment, falling incomes and suicides, sits a stark number counting those individuals and families who experience hunger.

This graph shows that the percentage of people in Ireland who say that they cannot afford food has more than doubled to 9 per cent in five years.

In 2006/7, the corresponding data showed a figure of 4.2 per cent.

According to the report, reduced spending on food is one of the main causes of food insecurity, a term that describes a situation where inadequate access to food does not allow all members of a household to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

The OECD noted that the US holds very detailed statistics on food insecurity that are not matched in Europe. However, it said there are unofficial estimates that growing numbers of families and children suffer from hunger or food insecurity in economically distressed countries.

In Greece, 10 per cent of students fall into the category.

More: Ireland’s suicide rate is below EU average – OECD report