Homeless & Hungry: The Evidence from Liverpool

Abstract

Much research has established the link between low incomes and poor nutritional standards. A research team from the Centre for Consumer Education & Research at Liverpool John Moores' University recently found that 30% of all families with children in Britain today are spending less on food than what is required to achieve a dietary which adheres, at minimum cost, to the Department of Health's Dietary Recommended Values (DRVs). But very little, if any, research has investigated the nutritional implications of a particularly extreme form of material deprivation--homelessness. This pilot study therefore sets out to study the dietaries of a number of homeless families in Liverpool--homeless as defined by living in Bed & Breakfast accommodation. Not only do such families have to contend with dependency upon welfare benefits when purchasing their foodstuffs; they also have to labour under inadequate cooking facilities. The study has involved these families keeping a dietary diary of all food and drink consumed. This information has then been analysed for its nutrient composition, using the Microdiet computer programme at Liverpool JMU. The results will show that, in every single case, the dietaries of these homeless families fall substantially short of the government's own nutritional guidelines and are, without doubt, unhealthy in the extreme. This paper is thus an examination of the nature and extent of the problem, using the science of nutrition and dietetics: not a policy prescription (although this is obvious) not a policy analysis. A study of the dietary implications of homelessness for 100 individuals (the largest ever undertaken) on Merseyside will be undertaken between September 1993 and June 1994.

Food choice and nutrient intake amongst homeless people

“…Such services have been shown to be crucial in sustaining this population (Rushton & Wheeler, ; Austin et al ., ). However, even with the input of these charities, nutritional inadequacy is a feature of homeless people's diets as found in UK (Rushton & Wheeler, ; Stitt et al ., ; Evans & Dowler, ; Food Standards Agency, ), European (Darmon et al ., ; Malmauret et al ., ; Hickey & Downey, ) and North American (Luder et al ., ; Wolgemuth et al ., ; Austin et al ., ; Silliman et al ., ) studies. All studies report below‐recommended intakes of micronutrients, whereas high intakes of total fat, saturated fat and nonmilk extrinsic sugars (NMES), alongside low intakes of dietary fibre, are also common.…”

“…To improve the dietary intake of the homeless population, understanding the factors driving this group's eating habits is crucial. A limited body of literature addresses homeless people's experiences of food insecurity and suggests that multiple and complex factors underpin food consumption; lack of income and access to food storage and preparation facilities stand out as factors governing food choices (Stitt et al ., ; Hickey & Downey, ; Food Standards Agency, ; Wicks et al ., ). Evidence from Australia and the USA suggests that poor dentition, the social aspect of eating and past eating habits additionally impact upon food choices (Wicks et al ., ; Davis et al ., ).…”

Nutrition and health in an adult urban homeless population in Germany

“…Nutrient analyses in different homeless populations showed a reduced quality of meals 1 and a dramatic shortage in the intake of certain micronutrients (e.g. calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, vitamin B 2 , vitamin B 6 , vitamin A and folic acid) at concomitantly increased fat intake 2,3 . Physical signs of malnutrition have been frequently observed 1 .…”

Environment influences food access and resulting shopping and dietary behaviors among homeless Minnesotans living in food deserts

“…This may account for some of the higher levels of fat consumption observed. Stitt et al (1994) reported that homeless people with proper access to a kitchen and storage facilities, also had healthier diets. Another plausible explanation might be the cost of the healthier foods in all locations.…”