The Reality of Food Insecurity
Food security means that all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food.
However, across Britain too many children and families do not know where their next meal is coming from and for others, the only affordable option is food that is high in fat, sugar and salt. Undernutrition and obesity are two ends of a scale highlighting a diet that is not providing the right nutrition for health.
People living in more deprived areas are more likely to be overweight or obese. This is not surprising; although food insecurity can be triggered by a crisis, all too often it is a long-term situation for people living in poverty, without the ability to access or afford enough food for a healthy diet.
Newham has taken a bold and innovative approach to tackling poverty through Community Wealth Building and the Towards A Better Newham strategy. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the ongoing challenge, but in Newham the community and council stepped up together when many families were left without enough food.
For too long, residents without true choices have been blamed for the decisions they make. This strategy looks to address the structural inequalities that mean deprivation too often results in diets lacking essential nutrients and containing too much fat, sugar and salt, alongside limited access to the foods needed for good health and wellbeing.
