Three charities have called on the Government to support plans to make healthy food accessible to all families.
St Vincent de Paul, Crosscare and the Combat Poverty Agency have called for a greatly expanded school meals programme for disadvantaged schools, and the banning of unhealthy food and drinks from school vending machines.
Sinead Keenan, researcher with Crosscare, told a seminar in Dublin yesterday that food poverty, where a family is unable to obtain enough food to meet its needs, is a reality for low income households in this State.
She said many families living on social welfare payments were not able to access affordable healthy food. "They may be living in large housing estates or small villages that do not have adequate retail facilities," she said.
"Getting to discount stores could involve a long walk and a taxi fare home."
Families on low incomes may not be able to afford a bag of apples and so may opt for a cheaper processed snack, she said.
The connection between food poverty and school absenteeism, lack of concentration and anti-social behaviour had been well-documented, she said.
"Thus intervention at an early age is crucial to promote social inclusion and is more cost-effective for society in the long term."
Ms Keenan said there was no national policy on tackling food poverty and no department with a specific responsibility for it.
A Combat Poverty-funded feasibility study is currently being carried out by Ms Keenan on behalf of the three charities.
It is examining the development of a national nutrition strategy, with input from sectors such as health, safety, agri-business and environment.
The study highlights the importance of teaching food education, cooking and vegetable growing to all children.
