Families are going hungry as the credit crunch sends food prices rocketing, according to a study.

Almost one in eight people have skipped a meal in the past year due to rising grocery prices, rising to nearly one in five in the lowest-income households.

Six in ten people on low incomes are finding it more of a struggle to feed their families now than they were this time last year and nearly one in five poor households is going without heating to make up the shortfall, the ICM poll of 1,000 adults found.

Recent research showed that the weekly supermarket shop has risen by up to 19 per cent this year to the highest price for 18 years.

A family spending £100 a week on groceries now has to find almost £1,000 extra a year.

The latest survey was commissioned by children's charity NCH which has launched a scheme to help families to manage their money better. While 55 per cent of the people polled admitted they were guilty about the large amount of food they throw away, nearly four in ten failed to plan meals in advance or make a list before going shopping.

It also found that 51 per cent of people quizzed do not have a set budget for food.

Clare Tickell, chief executive of NCH, said people helped by the scheme had reduced their food spending by up to £30 a week with careful planning.

"There's no doubt that everyone is feeling the pinch at the moment and that those on the lowest incomes are suffering the most," she said.

"Basic money management advice can help people cut down on their weekly grocery bills and make their food and finances go further."