The UK’s first large-scale ‘Fruit & Veg on Prescription’ project has launched to help tackle health inequality and food poverty.
Rolling out via Alexandra Rose Charity in partnership with the Bromley by Bow Centre in Tower Hamlets and The Beacon Project in Lambeth, this initiative comes as both London boroughs have high rates of chronic disease.
To help with fruit and veg purchases at local retailers and market traders, participants in Tower Hamlets will be provided with up to £6 in vouchers each week, while those in Lambeth will receive £8, plus an additional £2 per week for each household member in both areas.
Trials in each borough will explore the viability of fruit and veg on prescription as a long-term solution to tackling diet-related ill health and food poverty.
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Launching as part of a £250,000 pilot funded by local authorities and a charitable foundation, this is set to reach 122 residents who are at risk of, or have conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or mental health conditions are are struggling financially.
This also comes as food prices continue to rise amid the cost-of-living crisis which saw food inflation soaring to a record breaking 11.6% in October.
“The cost-of-living crisis is worsening and exacerbating rising levels of diet-related ill health and food insecurity,” Alexandra Rose Charity chief executive, Jonathan Pauling said.
“When calories from unhealthy food are three times cheaper than healthy alternatives, it makes sense that people will prioritise being full rather than being healthy, but this only stores up problems for the future.
“Diet-related ill health is costing the NHS billions every year, but more importantly, is it limiting the life chances of people on low incomes. We hope that the Fruit & Veg on Prescription Project will make a healthy diet easier to access for people who are struggling.”
