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Food Standards Agency

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Homelessness and food poverty

Sunday 8 July 2007

The Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland commissioned research into food poverty and homelessness in Northern Ireland. The aim of this research was to deliver a better understanding of the impact of poverty and social exclusion on the diet of people who are homeless in Northern Ireland.

This survey involved a series of interviews and dietary assessments with homeless people staying in temporary accommodation and with rough sleepers, in order to gain an understanding of the issues faced by them in relation to food poverty.

The findings from the research will be used to inform decisions about how FSA can strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders in supporting, encouraging and developing effective policy responses to tackling food poverty and homelessness.

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Key findings

A Food Frequency Questionnaire was used in this research to assess the vulnerability of participants to poor diet and inadequate nutrition.

The research shows that although most homeless people are getting enough to eat, the quality of their diet is poor. Key barriers to eating a balanced diet for those surveyed are their financial situation and education, as well as alcohol and drug abuse.

The research highlighted that the key barriers to healthy eating were:

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Related links

Research into food poverty and homelessness in Northern Ireland Read the full report

Download pdf  (pdf 301KB) Research into Food Poverty and Homelessness in Northern Ireland: Annex 1 Structured interview document

Download pdf  (pdf 72KB) Research into Food Poverty and Homelessness in Northern Ireland: Annex 4 Data tables

Download pdf  (pdf 253KB) Research into Food Poverty and Homelessness in Northern Ireland: Food Frequency Questionnaire

Download pdf  (pdf 86KB) (External) Get Adobe Acrobat reader You may need the free Acrobat Reader to view a pdf

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