Food, health and eating among single homeless and marginalized people in London

Summary Background: ‘Single homeless’ people are marginalized and largely dependent on voluntary sector organizations for food. The assessment of dietary quality in such groups is particularly difficult, but information is essential in order to improve provision. The aim of this study was to investigate dietary patterns and food sources of day centre and soup run users. Methods: A simple food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and 24-h dietary recall were completed on 423 participants (348 males and 75 females) through opportunistic sampling. ‘Rough sleepers’ made up 25% of the sample population, hostel dwellers 19%; other people classed as ‘homeless’ were in squats/bed and breakfast (B & B)/on a friend's floor (12%). Forty-three per cent of the sample had a flat or bedsit but were using day centres and soup runs because of financial difficulties. The age range was 15–76 years with a median of 34. Results: Only 28% ate vegetables daily; 60% seldom ate fruit, salad, fruit juice or wholemeal products. For men and women diets were high in saturated fat and nonmilk extrinsic sugar. Intakes of nonstarch polysaccharide, vitamins A, C, E, selenium, potassium and zinc were low. In addition, women had low intakes of protein, iron, folic acid, calcium, iodine and magnesium. Seventy per cent said they wanted to improve their diet. Conclusion: The survey showed that the majority of people using day centres and soup runs do not meet current dietary recommendations. This was a reflection of the foods provided and policies to support the work of day centres and soup runs need to address the quality of food available.