Trials in the boroughs, which both have high rates of chronic disease, will explore the viability of Fruit & Veg on Prescription as a long-term solution to tackling diet-related ill health and food insecurity. The project launches as food prices continue to soar and fresh food inflation has reached a record 13.3%.
Each person will be prescribed Rose Vouchers for fruit & veg and will receive up to £8 per week in vouchers, plus £2 per week for each household member. The charity, which has been doing this work since 2014, says diet-related ill health costs the NHS billions each year.
Jonathan Pauling, chief executive at Alexandra Rose Charity, said: “The cost of living crisis is worsening and exacerbating rising levels of diet-related ill health and food insecurity. 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, it is 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.”