Press Release: Food inequality: Study finds those on low income spend more but eat less well

In spite of eating less well, those on low incomes spend a much larger proportion of their income on food, the AGM of the Northern Ireland Public Health Alliance heard today as their Research Officer, Dr. Joanna Purdy presented findings from current research.

The main conclusion of the research is that there are systematic differences in what we eat based on how wealthy we are. Dr. Purdy said:

“We know that cheaper food is often the less healthy option, but if you are on a low income, you may not have much choice. You still end up spending a disproportionately large proportion of your income on food. While those on the highest incomes spent about 10% (£74.10) of their income on food per week, those on low incomes spend up to 16% which is £26.60 on average”.

“It is clear that a substantial proportion of people in Northern Ireland suffer from Food Poverty which is the inability to have an adequate diet whether this is due to lack of financial resources, physical access or information”.

“Over the next year the Northern Ireland Public Health Alliance will arrange seminars and workshops in order to come up with policy recommendations about how to tackle the issue of food poverty”.

Dr Purdy continued: “Our research shows that there are reasons to be concerned about the dietary intake of some population groups:

• The unemployed
• Those living in single parent household
• Households with two adults and four or more children
• Those in the mid-range income group (quintile 3)”

“Overall, people in Northern Ireland eat much more fat, sugar and salt than is recommended. We found that those on low incomes, particularly lone-parent households and those who are unemployed, eat less well than those who are better off.  People on low incomes eat more full fat milk, processed and prepared meat products, white bread, chips, crisps, cakes and biscuits, sweetened breakfast cereals, pizza and soft drinks.  Those in the higher income groups had a higher consumption of fruit and vegetables, carcase meat, fish, cheese, low fat dairy products, but also relied heavily on premium range ready meals and other convenience style products.”

“There would appear to be some correlation between the dietary intake of households with four or more children and income quintile 3.  The data indicates that these groups have the lowest energy and nutrient intake.  We would suggest that for these households, much of the household income is used to pay the mortgage, childcare, perhaps maintain two cars and other general family expenses.  Consequently, little money is left for food, which results in families purchasing inexpensive, poor quality food”.

Contact:

Dr Joanna Purdy,  Research and Policy Officer
Northern Ireland Public Health Alliance
Philip House, 123 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1AB
Tel:  +44 (0)28 9033 1895,
Mobile: +44 (0)7725 442742
Fax: +44 (0)28 9023 3328
E-mail: j.purdy@cieh.org

Note to editors:

The research forms part of a two year project entitled “Food Poverty in Northern Ireland”. The final report will be available in March 2007.

The AGM of the Northern Ireland Public Health Alliance is to take place at NIVCA, Duncairn Gardens on Wednesday 1 February 2006 at 12pm. Press are welcome from 12.00.

The Northern Ireland Public Health Alliance (NIPHA) is a voluntary, independent membership organisation. The organisation’s mission is to be a unifying and powerful voice for the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Northern Ireland.

Membership is drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds including, housing, education, environmental health, health professionals, voluntary organisations, community initiatives, local authorities, other statutory sectors, consumer organisations, the private sector and individuals. Together with the Public Health Alliance Ireland, NIPHA is currently planning to join forces and set up an All-Ireland alliance. A proposal to this respect is to be considered at the AGM.