Menu
25/06/2004
Low income families providing poor diet for children
A new report has found that parents on a low income are struggling to find enough money for food good enough for a healthy diet.
The report, by leading children's charity NCH, said that because of the financial burden on low income families children's diets were becoming nutritionally poor.
Figures from the survey showed that families spent just £2.20 a day on food per person while 28% of their children never eat green vegetables or salad; one in ten never eat fruit; and 43% eat crisps most days.
Ross McCrea, NCH policy office for Northern Ireland said the recent worries over obesity in young children had placed a lot of blame with parents.
"It is right to be concerned about rising levels of childhood obesity," he said. "But NCH's report shows that it is unfair to place all the blame on parents and children.
"The government needs to do much, much more if it is to put healthy food within the reach of children."
Among the recommendations for an improvement in the nutritional diet of children, NCH called for social security benefits to contain an explicit element for food.
Food manufacturers and retailers should also work with the Food Standards Agency to reduce salt, sugar and fat in foods aimed at children; remove snacks and sweets from supermarket checkouts, and other measures, the NCH added.
(MB)
The report, by leading children's charity NCH, said that because of the financial burden on low income families children's diets were becoming nutritionally poor.
Figures from the survey showed that families spent just £2.20 a day on food per person while 28% of their children never eat green vegetables or salad; one in ten never eat fruit; and 43% eat crisps most days.
Ross McCrea, NCH policy office for Northern Ireland said the recent worries over obesity in young children had placed a lot of blame with parents.
"It is right to be concerned about rising levels of childhood obesity," he said. "But NCH's report shows that it is unfair to place all the blame on parents and children.
"The government needs to do much, much more if it is to put healthy food within the reach of children."
Among the recommendations for an improvement in the nutritional diet of children, NCH called for social security benefits to contain an explicit element for food.
Food manufacturers and retailers should also work with the Food Standards Agency to reduce salt, sugar and fat in foods aimed at children; remove snacks and sweets from supermarket checkouts, and other measures, the NCH added.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
22 November 2024
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
05 February 2020
Parents Consulted On School Meal Proposals
Parents of school children are being urged to engage with a Department for Education consultation on proposals to upgrade the nutritional value of food provided in grant-aided schools. Sinn Fein's Karen Mullan encouraged participation in the consultation, which runs until the end of March, to avoid the issue of "holiday hunger".
Parents Consulted On School Meal Proposals
Parents of school children are being urged to engage with a Department for Education consultation on proposals to upgrade the nutritional value of food provided in grant-aided schools. Sinn Fein's Karen Mullan encouraged participation in the consultation, which runs until the end of March, to avoid the issue of "holiday hunger".
21 October 2022
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
21 July 2017
Three Women Arrested Over Theft In East Belfast
Three women have been arrested in connection with a theft in east Belfast. The incident happened at Connswater Retail Park on Thursday, 20 July. However, police followed the car the women were travelling in and they were arrested in west Belfast.
Three Women Arrested Over Theft In East Belfast
Three women have been arrested in connection with a theft in east Belfast. The incident happened at Connswater Retail Park on Thursday, 20 July. However, police followed the car the women were travelling in and they were arrested in west Belfast.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
