45% of Hong Kong’s needy will eat less, buy lower-quality food over prices: poll

More than 40 per cent of Hong Kong’s low-income residents will eat less and buy lower-quality food in response to rising prices, according to a survey from an NGO.

Food Grace published its findings on Tuesday and said the results underscored the need to not only boost public access to affordable food, but also to nutritious options.

The study, which was conducted between June and July, surveyed 358 people from underprivileged backgrounds, most of whom were living in public or subdivided housing. More than 60 per cent of respondents were elderly people.

“There is a lack of a bridge to connect [surplus] with needs … It’s time we shift from simply giving away food to empowering people with choice,” said Angela Lo Kok-shan, the organisation’s project manager.

According to the survey, about 50 per cent of respondents had spent more money on food last year. Around 60 per cent of those polled said they had bought the same quantities of food over that period.

About 60 per cent of respondents said they had switched to “cheaper alternatives” or were opting for discounted options, while 50 per cent of those surveyed were buying less food.