Superstore is key to a better diet

Consumption of fruit and vegetables rises dramatically in deprived communities after the opening of a superstore, according to research presented today on one of Britain's poorest neighbourhoods.

A study of a "food desert" in a socially deprived area of Leeds showed only 10 per cent of people met the Government target of a least five portions per day of fruit and vegetables, while 70 per cent reported consumption of fruit and vegetables below the national average, Neil Wrigley, professor of geography at Southampton University told the conference.

After the opening of a superstore, however, consumption of fruit and vegetables rose significantly. Residents with the worst diet more than doubled their fruit and vegetable consumption - although this group still ate significantly less than the daily recommended minimum, the study found.

The study was conducted in the Seacroft/Whinmoor estate.