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Too many British families are hungry!

(552 Posts)
CvD66 Tue 27-Feb-24 13:55:32

According to Food Foundation tracker, 15% of UK households, approx 8m adults and 3m children, experienced food insecurity in January, as food prices continued to hit low-income families. (Today’s Guardian).
The report states that 60% of households bought less fruit and 44% less vegetables. Already the NHS has recorded an increase in hospital admissions for nutrition deficiency. Cancer UK has estimated there are 33,000 extra cases of cancer in UK associated with deprivation.
In contrast to this, the UK has 171 billionaires.
Is this really a country we can be proud of?

Skydancer Wed 28-Feb-24 14:55:10

I recently visited my local library where there was a Community Fridge. You could just help yourself. There was a lot of fruit and veg there. I think there is help out there if you know where to look. I also think cooking should be taught in schools from a young age - proper nutritious meals.

Doodledog Wed 28-Feb-24 14:56:39

MaizieD

^Also, the discussion about 15minute cities was based on the premise that there would be penalties for travelling outside of your zone. That was what people objected to, if you remember.^

I thought that misconception had been put to bed...

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66990302

Oh it was. I didn't bring it up though.

MissAdventure Wed 28-Feb-24 14:57:17

I'm surprised that people know about everyone else's eating habits, because I live in close proximity to 5 other homes. (We are all in the same block) and I haven't the faintest idea who eats what, apart from the one neghbour.

MaizieD Wed 28-Feb-24 14:58:48

Doodledog

MaizieD

Also, the discussion about 15minute cities was based on the premise that there would be penalties for travelling outside of your zone. That was what people objected to, if you remember.

I thought that misconception had been put to bed...

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66990302

Oh it was. I didn't bring it up though.

Apologies if I read your post wrongly.,Dd I thought you were subscribing to the conspiracy theory.

Norah Wed 28-Feb-24 15:04:01

MissAdventure

I'm surprised that people know about everyone else's eating habits, because I live in close proximity to 5 other homes. (We are all in the same block) and I haven't the faintest idea who eats what, apart from the one neghbour.

Agree.

I know what we eat, what our daughters may be serving most days - nobody else is telling me their food preferences. smile

growstuff Wed 28-Feb-24 15:06:14

Doodledog

MaizieD

Also, the discussion about 15minute cities was based on the premise that there would be penalties for travelling outside of your zone. That was what people objected to, if you remember.

I thought that misconception had been put to bed...

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66990302

Oh it was. I didn't bring it up though.

I'm afraid it's still rumbling on in some quarters. (It's difficult to put a good conspiracy theory down!)

It's actually connected to poverty because time and time again, research has shown that poorer people often just don't have access to cheaper and more nutritional foodstuffs.

growstuff Wed 28-Feb-24 15:08:17

MissAdventure

I'm surprised that people know about everyone else's eating habits, because I live in close proximity to 5 other homes. (We are all in the same block) and I haven't the faintest idea who eats what, apart from the one neghbour.

I agree. I live in a cul de sac, but I haven't a clue what people eat, apart from one next-door neighbour, who is Hungarian and sometimes invites me in for goulash soup. I don't think anybody knows what I eat either.

growstuff Wed 28-Feb-24 15:10:03

Skydancer

I recently visited my local library where there was a Community Fridge. You could just help yourself. There was a lot of fruit and veg there. I think there is help out there if you know where to look. I also think cooking should be taught in schools from a young age - proper nutritious meals.

Nope. Don't waste school time on teaching cooking. Teach people how to read cookbooks and online recipes - much more valuable.

growstuff Wed 28-Feb-24 15:14:59

MissAdventure

I didn't know about the HC2 certificate.
I think that there is an element of my benefits (gasp!!) that is for mobility, so I'm happy to pay my £20.

I will pass that info on though, as I do meet some people who are really struggling with getting to appointments.

Thank you.

I'm not quite sure what the eligibility thresholds are. I have one, which covers NHS dentistry (yes, I have an NHS dentist), spectacles and travel costs. I already had free prescriptions and sight tests. My income after housing costs (rent and council tax) is about £600 a month, if that gives you a rough idea.

MissAdventure Wed 28-Feb-24 15:16:50

It's a shame that the information isn't more widespread about community fridges and things like that.
I have no idea if there is one near me, or how donating or using it works.

growstuff Wed 28-Feb-24 15:18:39

Doodledog

*But but but ... apparently, 15 minute cities are part of some control freakery and conspiracy theory. This is precisely why it shouldn't take anybody in a built-up area more than 15 minutes to access basic amenities, such as a supermarket.*
I can’t see the day when there will be supermarkets built so close together that that is possible - it just wouldn’t be commercially viable. Retail outlets are closing rather than expanding in numbers. Better, cheaper (ie subsidised) public transport, and fewer out of town shopping ‘villages’ would help though.

Also, the discussion about 15minute cities was based on the premise that there would be penalties for travelling outside of your zone. That was what people objected to, if you remember.

I do remember! And it was nonsense. It was a case of a planning idea being totally distorted by some conspiracy theorists.

The idea is that when a new housing development is planned, people should have access within 15 minutes, whether that's on foot or an efficient public transport system. It's aspirational and could be achieved, if there were a will.

growstuff Wed 28-Feb-24 15:20:07

MissAdventure

It's a shame that the information isn't more widespread about community fridges and things like that.
I have no idea if there is one near me, or how donating or using it works.

I know about mine from a local Facebook group, but I know they advertise in the library, GP surgery and on the town council website.

MissAdventure Wed 28-Feb-24 15:21:41

However long it has been since I first got ill (2 years?) I can only just now walk for 15 minutes on a good day, with a walking frame.
My last good day was about two weeks ago.

Cossy Wed 28-Feb-24 15:22:30

Skydancer

I recently visited my local library where there was a Community Fridge. You could just help yourself. There was a lot of fruit and veg there. I think there is help out there if you know where to look. I also think cooking should be taught in schools from a young age - proper nutritious meals.

There certainly is help, mainly in rural areas, however surely the question should be “is it right that many families have to rely on community fridges, Olio, food banks etc etc” My answer is never! It’s never right that anyone should have to essentially rely on “handouts” in our country.

MissAdventure Wed 28-Feb-24 15:24:01

It would cost me around £9 to get to my library.
So.....

MissAdventure Wed 28-Feb-24 15:26:13

The above is assuming I may be well enough to catch a bus there, and a taxi back.

growstuff Wed 28-Feb-24 15:29:21

MissAdventure

It would cost me around £9 to get to my library.
So.....

That's bad! Do you have a local Facebook group?

growstuff Wed 28-Feb-24 15:33:06

Cossy The place I use stresses that it's not a foodbank. It's surplus, which would end up in landfill. Of course, most of the people who use it are "counting their pennies", but the emphasis is on getting people together and doing something for the community - hence, the free tea and coffee (and cake, but I don't eat it). I don't feel the slightest bit patronised.

MissAdventure Wed 28-Feb-24 15:35:56

I don't use facebook, growstuff.
I think I may qualify for a bus pass as a disabled person, but I have never applied yet, because I haven't felt well enough.

MissAdventure Wed 28-Feb-24 15:39:23

The olio site is awash with people pointing out that it is not a case of the most "deserving" who will necessarily get food.
It is about reducing food waste.

MissAdventure Wed 28-Feb-24 15:56:11

Oh, and olio also works on the premise that the person who would like the unwanted food goes and picks it up.
Again, how does that work for people with limited mobility?

Gwyllt Wed 28-Feb-24 15:56:15

What people say they eat and what they actually eat are two very different things
As a newly qualified dietitian many many years ago I was naive and believed what people told me they ate I am not just talking the overweight. I worked with expectant mums, diabetics and those that diet was part of their treatment. Apparently the majority had a fair idea of a balanced diet And said that’s what they eat. I had to adjust my approach fairly smartly I came to realise I was told what they thought I wanted to hear. for many it really does depend on who is asking the questions

MissAdventure Wed 28-Feb-24 15:59:35

All the smokers I know only have about 2 or 3 cigs a day, according to what they tell their doctor.

Gwyllt Wed 28-Feb-24 16:03:22

Miss A people should try to take some responsibility for themselves. And yes I do know what I am talking about I was on crutches for about a year. I had an umpteen hand road worthy mobility scooter I was able to get into town and do things for myself.

Germanshepherdsmum Wed 28-Feb-24 16:07:50

I hope you’re not criticising MissA there Gwyllt. She has been extremely ill for some time and is only now able to post again, let alone get around. She doesn’t have a temporary disability as evidently you did.