For the first time, the link between disposable income and the accessibility of healthy food in Amsterdam has been researched. Let’s just say that the results paint a scary picture of health and affordability! 😳
According to Het Parool, researchers at Onderzoek & Statistiek (a research and statistics department of the Dutch government) surveyed 528 Amsterdammers during the months of May and June 2022.
They also combed through relevant data on CBS (the Dutch Bureau of Statistics).
About 100,000 Amsterdammers can’t afford to eat healthily
On average, 1 in 9 Amsterdam residents who would like to eat healthily lack the money to afford a healthier diet.
Among these Amsterdammers, the elderly, single-parent families, and large families are most vulnerable.
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In addition to this, 40% of these low-income residents reported skipping meals or eating significantly less, as they didn’t have enough money for food.
It seems that Amsterdam’s newly-opened free supermarket for vulnerable families couldn’t come at a better time!
Both low- and middle-income Amsterdammers value affordable meals the most
The research uncovered that the affordability of food was valued the highest amongst Amsterdammers from low- and middle-income households. 🍲
The healthiness of the meal was a secondary concern, and it was only after this that grocery-buying trends between the income groups diverged.
Middle-income Amsterdammers found “tastiness” to be a tertiary concern, whilst those with a low-income prioritised food that was easy to get ready instead.
What do you think should be done about this situation? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
