Food poverty

Among lower income groups, a diet high in fat, sugar and salt and low in fruit and vegetables is possibly the main cause of 'general susceptibility' to coronary heart disease.

Eating a healthy diet on a low income is a problem for an increasing number of people and contributes to widening inequalities in nutrition and health. Incomes in the poorest households have failed to rise in proportion to food costs, and the rise of supermarkets at the expense of local shops has given rise to food deserts in many poor neighbourhoods. These trends have had a disproportionate impact on fruit and vegetable consumption.

Food poverty is a crucial factor in the relationship between childhood deprivation and long-term ill-health. Child and family poverty.

Problems of affordability, availability and access

The NHF supports the development and implementation of policies by national and local government, including neighbourhood renewal strategies that address the problems of affordability, availability and access to healthy food choices facing low-income consumers.

Resources

Food poverty and nutrition toolkit a toolkit produced jointly by National Heart Forum, the Faculty of Public Health and others to help health professionals develop a local food poverty strategy. Also, view Section C of this toolkit for a summary of national policy and strategies.

Useful link

Food Poverty Network visit: http://www.sustainweb.org/poverty_netintro.asp