Food and poverty: making good food affordable
Who is most likely to experience food poverty in the UK?
- people living on low incomes or who are unemployed
- households with dependent children
- older people, people with disabilities
- members of black and ethnic minority groups
Those who experience food poverty are likely to have poor diets and in turn have a higher risk of diet-related diseases.
Families and individuals who experience food poverty are more likely to consume a diet characterised by a high intake of saturated fat, salt and sugar with low intake of fruit, vegetables and dietary fibre. More processed foods tend to be consumed as they are seen to be more filling. Low income families also tend to have less variety within their diet.
Access
Food access refers to the ease with which an individual can buy a range of healthy foods and get them to their home and consume them. For good access, people need to be able to buy healthy food within reasonable walking distance and then be able to have the facilities and skills to prepare the food for eating. Lack of time, physical ability, transport, or difficulties around childcare/caring for a relative can all make it harder for a person to shop for food. Older people may find carrying heavy shopping and managing on a pension makes healthy eating difficult.
Affordability
Affordability refers to whether the range of foods within reasonable distance to an individual falls within their price range. Unfortunately, a healthy diet can cost more than an unhealthy one but cost-savings can be made with careful selection of foods and the replacement of prepared convenience foods – an unhealthy diet can cost you your health.
Appropriateness
It is important that people can buy a culturally appropriate balanced diet. Cultural habits of eating can be difficult to follow when there are no local sources available, often leading to a poorer substituted diet. Many people follow strict dietary principles due to religious beliefs and should be able to purchase and consume foods which meet their needs, for example halal or kosher foods. Islington is unusual in that the large number of different ethnic groups are spread out across the borough rather than concentrated in distinct areas.
Awareness
Many individuals lack the knowledge or skills needed to buy and cook foods. If people are unable to purchase foods which they recognise, they may lack the confidence to cook and prepare the food. There is also a lot of misinformation about nutrition and healthy foods in the media meaning many people do not know where to start.
To find out more about how the council, NHS and community partners across Islington are working together on food and health issues in the borough follow the links below to our Food Strategy and Action Plan.