What is food poverty?
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Food poverty encompasses both the affordability of food and its accessibility within local communities. There is no agreed definition but here are three interpretations that Sustain believes set out the scope of the problem:
‘The inability to afford, or to have access to, food to make up a healthy diet.’ – The Department of Health
‘Food poverty is worse diet, worse access, worse health, higher percentage of income on food and less choice from a restricted range of foods.’ – Professor Tim Lang
‘The inability to consume an adequate quality or sufficient quantity of food in socially acceptable ways, or the uncertainty that one will be able to do so.’ – Professor Elizabeth Dowler
Other terms to describe food poverty include household food insecurity, food insecurity, food vulnerability and hunger.
Causes and impact
Food poverty can be triggered by a crisis in finances or personal circumstances. This could include job losses, changes in housing, a delay in receiving Universal Credit, ...
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