The Irish are being encouraged to choose healthier food options when it comes to their weekly shopping; new research revealed they are spending almost twice as much on treats compared with fruit and vegetables.
Supermarket shopping data found that families with children spent on average €746 on groceries in the month to April 17 and of this €159 (21%) was spent on treats such as biscuits, crisps and chocolate. In comparison, just €49 (6.6%) was spent on fruit and €37 (5%) on vegetables.
That is why a healthy eating campaign from safefood, the HSE and Healthy Ireland is encouraging parents to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle for their children. The Start campaign acknowledges, however, that recent food price increases are making it harder for families to fill a trolley with healthy options.
The Start campaign is a five-year public health awareness campaign encouraging families to take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle for their children. Visit www.makeastart.ie for practical advice and support on how to reduce treats, ideas for healthy snacks and advice from parenting experts.
Source: irishexaminer.com