Rising Food Costs Leave New Zealand’s Poorest Children Struggling for Healthy Diets

Study Reveals Alarming Trend in Nutritional Accessibility

NEW ZEALAND: A recent study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand has shed light on a growing crisis affecting New Zealand’s most vulnerable families. According to the research, conducted by the University of Auckland, the escalating cost of food has made it nearly impossible for low-income families to provide their children with nutritious meals.

The Impact of Soaring Food Prices

The study, led by GP Dr Joanna Strom, utilized a specially designed tool to model costs for a family with two children. Focusing on the “lower cost healthy foods” index produced by Statistics New Zealand, Dr Strom’s research revealed a staggering 35% increase in food prices between 2018 and 2023. The most significant annual jump occurred in 2023, with a 13.6% rise.

Dr Strom emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating:

“Generally, there has been a year-on-year increase in these lower-cost healthy foods, over the past six years, which is higher than the food price index overall, and that is concerning.”

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The Nutritional Crisis and Its Long-term Consequences

The research highlights the critical importance of proper nutrition for children’s development. Dr Strom explained:

“Nutrition is so important for children because they’re developing and what we eat affects not only our physical health but also mental health. If kids are eating overly processed, high-fat, high-sugar foods and becoming overweight, with poor dental health, they can’t move their bodies well and that impacts how they interact with other kids.”

The study points out that one-third of all children in New Zealand are overweight or obese, while only 5.4% of children aged 2 to 14 consume the recommended daily servings of vegetables.

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The Financial Struggle for Low-income Families

Using data from the Child Poverty Action Group’s 2023 report, Dr Strom’s research paints a grim picture of the financial reality faced by low-income families. For a family with two children, renting and receiving government allowances, the estimated weekly income of $1157 falls short by $212 when attempting to provide low-cost healthy food for their children.

Calls for Urgent Action

Health experts and children’s advocates are urging the government to take immediate action. Dr Elaine Rush, CPAG spokesperson and Professor of Nutrition at AUT, warned:

“The child cannot wait: the time to invest in their future is now.”

Dr Sally Mackay, co-chair of Health Coalition Aotearoa’s food policy expert advisory group, described the situation as “shameful” and an “impossible challenge” for low-income families. She called for a shift in priorities:

“The nutritional needs of children must be prioritised in our food policies and systems over the profits of the food industry.”

As this crisis continues to unfold, the long-term implications for New Zealand’s public health and economic productivity remain a significant concern. The findings of this study serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive policy interventions to ensure that all children in New Zealand have access to the nutrition they need for healthy growth and development.