One in seven people in Netherlands have problems buying food

One in seven people in the Netherlands go short of food or lack a balanced diet, according to a study compiled for the Red Cross.

Some 4% of people said they did not have enough to eat, while 4% did not eat a varied or healthy diet and 6% struggled with both.

The figures are almost unchanged since the last survey was carried out three years ago, research bureau Ipsos/I&O said. Food poverty is more common in migrant communities, families with children, in the large cities and the 18 to 50 age group.

Just over half of those who did not have enough to eat and three-quarters who ate an unbalanced diet said lack of money was the biggest problem, while a smaller proportion – 25% and 37% respectively – blamed lack of time.

The Red Cross also said 26% of people who had problems buying food were ashamed to ask for help, while 45% said they were not eligible for support from food banks or other sources. The charity estimated that 450,000 people were living in “hidden food poverty”, meaning they were not getting the help they needed.