UK's Poorest Struggle to Afford Healthy Food

The affordability of a healthy diet in the UK has become a critical issue, particularly for the nation's poorest households. A recent study revealed that the poorest 20% of families with children would need to allocate 85% of their disposable income to meet government healthy eating recommendations, a stark increase from previous years. This healthy-eating squeeze means that healthier foods are now almost double the price per calorie compared to less healthy alternatives, with the gap between their costs widening over the past decade.

In light of these findings, the UK government has committed to a ten-year plan aimed at improving public health. Key measures include significant restrictions on junk food advertising targeting children, both on television before 9 pm and online. Furthermore, large companies within the food sector will be required to report on their healthy food sales. These initiatives aim to support healthier choices and address the growing disparity in access to nutritious food across different income levels.