eating healthily: unaffordable or uneducated?
By Bryony Moore
Among those celebrating ‘National Nutrition Month’ is London Food Link, a charity campaigning for a more ethical and sustainable food-chain for residents in the capital. The charity is trying to educate the general public in a bid to decrease unhealthy eating and help those who are impoverished.
There is a strong correlation between low income and obesity in children, highlighted in a report published by the Commons' Health and Social Care Committee.
The independent think-tank, Food Foundation found that almost four million children in the UK live in households that are unable to buy healthy foods to meet the official nutrition guidelines. The foundation believes that lack of money is the main reason behind unhealthy eating, but are also concerned about cookery skills and access to shops selling fresh produce.
But it is possible fresh produce being unaffordable is a misconception. It is often assumed that families with a lower income can often only afford meals already packaged and frozen, containing high fat and sugar content, but London Food Link is trying to combat this. It is possible that this idea had developed from marking strategies across supermarkets trying to upsell their fresh produce as ‘organic’.
To try and encourage healthier lifestyles, London Food Link this month is running a series of workshops and demonstrations to show how nutritious meals can be prepared and cooked whilst sticking to a budget. They highlight the affordability of farmers markets and where they can be found.
What happens next?
With Brexit looming, reports are suggesting that the price of fresh produce will rise. Supermarket executives have told MP’s that they may struggle to maintain a supply of fruit and vegetables if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
With this in mind, educating families on the realisation that healthy food can be affordable is more vital than ever.
Infographic from Zest Magazine