Lone parents, food choice and empowerment

An extensive body of evidence exists linking low income, poor diet and poor health (Graham, 1993; Dowler and Calvert, 1995; Parker, 1998). In response to this the UK government has long claimed the reason for such inequalities is not because of income per se, but is underpinned by lack of knowledge and skills and as such has focused much attention on the role of small scale community based educational initiatives. These initiatives however, can only be successful if those whom they are targeted at are motivated to become involved. To achieve change it has to be recognised that change is possible, but perhaps more importantly, that change is needed. Previous research has produced quantifiable evidence as to the quality of diet and it has also produced qualitative support of the difficulties faced by low income groups in attaining diet quality, but in many cases has not necessarily described the perception of diet quality amongst low income groups, and the influences upon such perceptions. If diet is not perceived to be nutritionally inadequate it may be the case that those whom initiatives would hope to influence do not feel the need to become involved. Using a mixed methodology, evidence is provided from a cohort of lone parents that suggests a confusion may exist between what constitutes a balanced diet as opposed to a healthy diet, or indeed a good diet as opposed to a bad diet. Evidence further demonstrates that many of the food choice decisions made by lone parents are linked to evaluations of the quality of parenting they provide. As such, choices are made subject to social norms yet lack of self‐efficacy prevents many lone parents from challenging societal prescriptions. The paper concludes that knowledge alone may not be enough to facilitate an improvement in diet quality for this group and that this may only be achieved if knowledge and empowerment are addressed simultaneously.