- Data shows that low-income households are not allowed to eat a healthy diet
Britons are eating fewer vegetables than at any time in the last fifty years, putting their health at risk amid rising prices.
Analysis of government data shows that many low-income households are no longer allowed to follow a healthy diet.
The figures come amid reports that vegetable prices are rising in the run-up to Christmas, and new research showing that shocking obesity levels are putting huge pressure on the NHS.
Defra's Family Food Survey records food purchases by UK households from supermarkets, restaurants and takeaways, including in dishes such as ready meals.
The study shows that vegetable purchases fell from an average of 182 grams per day in 2020-21 to 154 grams in 2021-22. They are believed to have fallen even further since then.
Britons are eating fewer vegetables than at any time in the last 50 years, and many low-income households have become too expensive for a healthy diet, analysis shows
The figures are published as part of the Peas Please initiative, which is led by The Food Foundation with partners Nourish Scotland, Food Sense Wales, Nourish NI and Food NI.
In addition, analysis of Food Foundation data collected by retail analysts Kantar showed that the weight of the average grocery basket consisting of vegetables has fallen from 7.2 percent to 6.8 percent over the past six years.
The Kantar basket data for 2022-2023 shows that vegetables make up just 5.9 per cent of the weight of shopping baskets where average receipts are less than £10,000. This compares to 8.2 per cent on incomes over £70,000.
Several key vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, have risen in price by more than 10 percent in the past month, according to an analysis of The Grocer figures collected by data expert Assosia.
The Foundation said: 'Vegetables are the golden thread that connects diets that are both healthier and more sustainable, and there would be huge benefits for our health, the environment and the UK economy if we were all able to meet the vegetable consumption recommendations . '
Data for the period 2022-2023 shows that vegetables make up just 5.9 percent of the weight of an average shopping basket where revenues are less than €10,000 (Stock Image)
The Peas Please project was launched in 2017 with the mission to make it easier for everyone in Britain to eat more vegetables. Since then, 110 organizations, from restaurant chains, caterers and manufacturers to growers and retailers, have committed to vegetarian pledges that support the public's access to more vegetables.
Rebecca Tobi, senior business and investor manager at the Food Foundation, said: 'With around 17 million households living in food poverty, many are likely to cut back on healthier foods such as fruit and vegetables as these are a more expensive source of calories. compared to other food groups.
'We urgently need to see companies taking action to make eating vegetables an easy and affordable option, and more support from the Government to ensure everyone can access and afford a healthy diet.'