Recession 'causing narrow, restricted diets'

Low-income families in Ireland are suffering from food poverty according to a new report published today.

Low-income families in Ireland are suffering from food poverty and restricted diets according to a new report published today.

The research by Safefood has identified the Irish households that are most likely to suffer from diet-related ill health. They include families with children, as well as pensioners and single men under 25 who live alone.

Dr Cliodhna Foley Nolan of Safefood said: "People are living on very narrow and restricted diets, hand to mouth, and thinking of today rather than nutrition in the long term…The main priority for most was to put food on the table and not the nutritional content."

She added: "It is well recognised that diet-related ill health disproportionately affects low income households.

"This research has provided a platform for those living on a low income to share their personal experiences of food and tell their own stories. In doing so, it further informs those working in public policy and the community sector to be responsive and practical when tackling this growing issue.”