The battle for the bellies of the nation's disadvantaged children is being won by unhealthy foods, according to the latest research from NCH.
The children's charity's report is based on a survey of 55 families living on low incomes. Almost one in two were lone parents and two in five lived in the countryside. It found that more than a quarter of children never ate green vegetables and salad. But nine in 10 ate sweets and chocolate, and 82 per cent drank sugary drinks.
Four out of five parents said their children were encouraged to ask for certain foods by TV advertising, packaging and free toys. And 29 per cent were unable to give their children the food they'd have liked. Of these, almost half said they couldn't afford it because of costs such as travelling to supermarkets or higher prices in small, rural stores. Healthier foods also cost 15 per cent more than less healthy versions, said the survey.
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