A SURVEY commissioned by a Haverhill debt counselling charity has revealed that people's diets are suffering as they turn to cheaper processed foods in their bid to cope with the credit crunch.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) asked YouGov to carry out the research into how people's eating habits have changed because of the current financial problems.
The charity, which originated in Haverhill and now has 82 debt counselling centres nati
onally, found nearly half of all 35 to 44 year olds questioned confessed their diet had deteriorated since last year.
The survey, which had 2,057 respondents, also showed nearly 60 per cent of 45 to 50 year olds questioned believed they were in a worse financial state than last year, although under 25s seemed to be coping okay.
In response, the charity has issued its top ten tips on how to reduce food bills while still eating healthily, with recipes to feed a family of four for £4 also posted on its website – www.capuk.org.
Haverhill centre manager Henry Wilson and his team are also redoubling their efforts to support those struggling with rising food costs.
He said: "These results are truly shocking and evidence that we are slipping further into financial difficulty as a country.
"Through our local centre in Haverhill, we are able to offer hope and a solution to those struggling to make repayments and we are seeing people turn their finances around."
CAP can be contacted for free advice on 0800 3280006. More information is also available at www.capuk.org.
