Young people are facing increasing levels of malnutrition and obesity.
According to the Food Foundation, healthy food costs nearly three times more, per calorie, than unhealthy food. They also found that, if everyone were to eat a government-recommended healthy diet, this would require the most deprived 20% of the UK population to spend more than half of their disposable income on food. For the wealthier families, only 11% of their disposable income would be required to eat healthily.
Access to healthy food is far from equal. Many, many families in our communities are affected, and the impacts reach far into the future, with children’s long term health, education and opportunities being shaped by their access to food.
That’s why we work to reach children living in areas of deprivation with a nutritious school breakfast, ensuring they start the day with the energy they need to thrive, learn and grow.
While the government cannot control eating habits outside of school, it can ensure that what is consumed during school hours is at least in line with national health guidelines.”
– Madeleine Speed and Amy Borrett, Financial Times
