There is no denying British households are having a tough time at the moment. Costs are rising while wages are slashed or frozen.

However, I take issue with a recent article in The Guardian newspaper which quotes a shopper as saying fresh fruit had become “a bit of a luxury”.

Unless the lady is referring to white cherries selling at £60 per kilo in Harrods, then I’m not sure where she is shopping. Walk through any fresh produce aisle and you can pick up some variety of fruit for £1.

With the deals available even if you are a family of six, you could still have one apple per day each at a cost of £7 per week. And that’s from a supermarket, cheaper options may be found at local fruit and vegetable markets where buying by the kilo means more fruit for less cash.

Times may be tough, but better to cut back on other items than ones that will actually help a family to keep up their health and strength. We have to get away from this idea that fresh produce is somehow an ‘extra’ when it is an essential. Given this government’s love of slashing healthcare services, everyone has to take as much responsibility for protecting themselves from disease and ill-health as possible. Fresh produce is a much needed ally in that battle.

Deputy Editor

Samantha Lyster