Families on welfare struggling to eat healthy, warn campaigners

Putting a nutritious meal on the table is costing families on social welfare up to 80% of their weekly income, it was claimed today.

Combat Poverty Agency called on planners and discount stores to meet the needs of those on low incomes by opening in disadvantaged areas.

In its Pre-Budget Submission to Government, the charity demanded an increase in welfare payments and highlighted its need for a €10m fund to support community initiatives which will provide alternative sources of healthy food for families.

The state should also extend its School Food Programme, it said, to provide hot school dinners for an estimated 200,000 children in need.

The agency said the funding would substantially reduce the number of people, especially older people and children, at risk of poverty.

Helen Johnston, Director of the Combat Poverty Agency, said parents with two children in receipt of €400 unemployment assistance a week spend a minimum of €170 – between 40% and 80% – on basic everyday food items such as cereals, bread, potatoes, fruit and vegetables, dairy products, meat and fish.

“The availability of own brand products can reduce the cost of these essentials by as much as 15% which is hugely significant, given the demand to also meet the cost of heating, clothing, transport and education from a weekly budget of 400 euro,” she said.

“Discount food stores must be encouraged to locate in areas of disadvantage.”

The charity believes the abolition of the Groceries Order has had no dramatic effect on the cost of a typical food basket.

“More can be done to ensure that low income families reap the benefits of increased competition in the grocery sector,” continued Ms Johnston.

“A variety of Irish health reports have already called for community-based pilot schemes to be put in place that are capable of providing low income families with a varied and sufficient supply of healthy foods.

“Initiatives such as community gardens and food co-operatives have an immense contribution to make in areas of concentrated disadvantage which often have limited food outlets.

“The provision of easily accessible discount stores offering affordable and appropriately sized economy line foods will have a positive impact in assisting low income families meet the cost of a healthy diet.”