Cost of living crisis: Junk food debunked as the cheaper option

Fast food has long been considered to have one great advantage over fresh food – but the truth has now been revealed.

The cost-of-living crisis is changing the way people eat, says a leading health authority, who warns busy families might be mistakenly choosing fast food thinking it is better value.

Health and Wellbeing Queensland says families can save up to $90 by shopping for in-season fruit and vegetables instead oftakeaway, with experts emphasising it is both healthier and more cost effective.

Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive Officer Dr Robyn Littlewood said

recent figures had revealed that while food prices have risen by 5.7 per cent in Brisbane, fresh fruit and vegetable prices had declined by 3.7 per cent.

Health and Wellbeing Queensland dietitian Renae Earle said the cost of living crisis was impacting all Queenslanders.

Renae Earle with fresh vegetables that are healthy and cheaper than chips. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“Some people are working longer hours or taking up a second job to even put food on the table so that leaves less time for food prep,” she said.

Ms Earle said people were relying on fast food and takeaway for its convenience and familiarity.

“In the long term, it comes out cheaper to buy fruit and vegetables in season and there’s research to support that the current usual diet that Queenslanders are eating is more expensive than it would be to follow the Australian guide to healthy eating,” she said.

Ms Earle said the myth that it can’t be fun, fast, tasty or cheap to eat healthy needed to be debunked.

The Outdoor Media Association is working in partnership with Health and Wellbeing Queensland and Nutrition Australia to launch its new fresh veg, deliciously affordable initiative designed to encourage Aussies to eat a healthier.

“We know this is something that’s so important right now, with Aussie families looking for ways to save,” OMA CEO Elizabeth McIntyre said.

Originally published as Cost of living crisis: Junk food debunked as the cheaper option