Colletta Smith and Abi Smitton
Correspondent and producer of the cost of living
Bbc
A basket of healthy foods costs more than double that of less healthy options, according to a new analysis.
The Food Foundation revealed that 1,000 calories of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables cost £ 8.80, against £ 4.30 for the equivalent quantity of less healthy food, such as ready dishes and transformed meats.
The charitable organization warns that low -income families are responsible for being able to afford to eat healthy.
The government said it was determined to introduce a national food strategy that will approach unhealthy food.
The analysis carried out for Food Foundation examined the average price of 450 articles that the national statistics office uses to calculate monthly inflation. It has classified food according to their nutritional value, according to advice from the agency standards.
The analysis suggests that the gap has expanded in the past two years, the price of healthy foods that increases by 21%, while unhealthy options increased by 11%.
The charity warns that 60% of eight million households dealing with food insecurity in 2024 reduced the amount of fruit they buy, while 44% have reduced vegetables.
His research has revealed that the poorest families should spend 45% of their disposable food income to afford to eat the government recommended a healthy diet, going to 70% for those who have children.
‘Soul-Destructy’
Colette says that the cheaper cost of unhealthy food makes her feel guilty
Mother of two-two, Colette occupies three jobs, including home care work and as a singing teacher.
“It’s a bit destructive of the soul (shopping) in a normal supermarket sometimes, even in some of the cheaper,” she said.
“It’s crazy when you think:” I don’t even have a bag of stuff and it’s £ 20. “”
She uses her gain of bread and local butter.
For £ 8.50, she obtains three bags: fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen foods and staples.
“I want to be able to support my children. I don’t want to have the impression of being a complete failure as a mother to provide a decent meal every night.”
‘I had panic attacks at Till’
Up to 75 families use the pantry of bread and butter in the south of Manchester every week.
Julie, 59, is unable to work due to poor health. She says that she would be lost without access to cheap food at the pantry.
“I would love going to a store and not worrying about money. I had panic attacks at the Tarm, worrying not to have enough money,” she said.
Julcine tries to make sure that his two -year -old twins eat healthy
Julcine has two -year -old twins and says that she is determined to feed them healthy foods, even if it costs more.
“For your children, you have to buy it expensive, you have no choice. If supermarkets could reduce prices, it would make a huge difference.”
Anna Taylor, executive director of Food Foundation, said that parents were “set up to fail”.
“Trying to feed children well, especially on low income, is like a high -thread act.”
The food foundation calls on the government to encourage companies to make healthy foods more affordable.
“It’s a moment in time, the government could really learn errors from the past and create incentives to produce nutrients at affordable prices,” Taylor told BBC.
The Minister of Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner, said that the report highlights issues that are addressed in the national food strategy proposed by the government.
“We cannot do this alone, which is why we work with those in the food sector, using their expertise, to transform the industry for good,” he said.
How can I save money on my food store?
Look at your cupboards so that you know what you already have the head of the reduced section to see if it has something you need
Read more advice here
