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02/08/2012
25% NI Poverty Rate 'Widening Life Expectancy Gap'
A quarter of people in Northern Ireland are living in poverty, a researcher has claimed, shortening their life expectancy compared to those living in wealthier areas.
Martin Caraher spoke today at the West Belfast Festival.
The professor of food and health policy at London’s City University said rising food prices was making the problem ever more urgent.
He said: "With almost a quarter of people living in Northern Ireland, coupled with increasing food prices, the issue of food poverty is becoming ever more urgent.
"This is adding to the decline in health in areas where life expectancy in men can be on average eight years shorter than those living in wealthier areas in Northern Ireland, while for women the gap is five years. Trends suggest that this gap is widening.
"Living in poverty puts people at risk of poor dietary intake. This not only affects what people eat but also has implications for lifestyle, social interaction and, importantly, health status.
"We know that many see food as a flexible item in the household budget and healthy food such as fresh fruit and vegetables can often be more expensive."
Professor Caraher said cheap, processed food is replacing nutritionally-balanced meals for many households.
He called on the government to establish food welfare programs so that people would be able to "make healthy choices".
(NE)
Martin Caraher spoke today at the West Belfast Festival.
The professor of food and health policy at London’s City University said rising food prices was making the problem ever more urgent.
He said: "With almost a quarter of people living in Northern Ireland, coupled with increasing food prices, the issue of food poverty is becoming ever more urgent.
"This is adding to the decline in health in areas where life expectancy in men can be on average eight years shorter than those living in wealthier areas in Northern Ireland, while for women the gap is five years. Trends suggest that this gap is widening.
"Living in poverty puts people at risk of poor dietary intake. This not only affects what people eat but also has implications for lifestyle, social interaction and, importantly, health status.
"We know that many see food as a flexible item in the household budget and healthy food such as fresh fruit and vegetables can often be more expensive."
Professor Caraher said cheap, processed food is replacing nutritionally-balanced meals for many households.
He called on the government to establish food welfare programs so that people would be able to "make healthy choices".
(NE)
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Pilot fuel poverty project 'saves lives and money'
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Benefits valued at more than £1.5 million have been delivered by an investment of £300,000 in a pilot project aimed at defeating fuel poverty in Armagh and Dungannon. The pilot project was set up to help vulnerable people living in the villages of Aughnacloy and Darkley, which are part of the Armagh and Dungannon Heath Action Zone.
01 July 2014
20% Children Living In Poverty
About 20% of children in Northern Ireland were classified as living in poverty in 2012-2013, according to the Northern Ireland Poverty Bulletin published today by the Department for Social Development.
20% Children Living In Poverty
About 20% of children in Northern Ireland were classified as living in poverty in 2012-2013, according to the Northern Ireland Poverty Bulletin published today by the Department for Social Development.
14 June 2004
Council issues food poisoning warning
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Council issues food poisoning warning
With the barbecue season upon us, Belfast City Council has issued a timely reminder about the dangers of food poisoning.
17 December 2013
Child Poverty On The Increase
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Child poverty in Northern Ireland continues to increase, according to a report entitled 'Households Below Average Income, Northern Ireland, 2011/12' released today. The amount of children living in poverty increased between 2010-11 and 2011-12, the report found.
27 November 2023
Consumers Anxious And 'Caught Off Guard' By Rising Food Prices
Northern Ireland consumers feel anxious and "caught off guard" by rising food prices and wider cost of living pressures, according to new research by the Consumer Council.
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