Malnutrition Doubles in the UK as the Economy CollapsesDaisy Luther Easington MP Grahame Morris, who sits on the House of Commons health select committee, told the Chronicle that the figures should be an alarm bell. He said: I certainly think the Governments policies on austerity with cuts in public services and welfare benefits have been a contributory factor. I suspect, with increasing fuel bills, many low-income households in the North East, especially older people, are having to choose between heating and eating. Ministers have previously argued that a surge in demand has in part been fuelled by jobcentre staff being allowed to refer the unemployed to food banks for help. Cuts to benefits, frozen or falling wages and rising living costs have been blamed in part for some people struggling to make ends meet. The figures come as the Archbishop of Canterbury has urged Christmas shoppers to give money to Britains expanding network of food banks rather than splash out on expensive presents. The Most Reverend Justin Welby made the appeal in reaction to news of a shocking increase in the number of impoverished Britons now relying on food handouts. (source) As theUS economy continues to collapse and the processed food industry continues to churn out ever-cheaper, ever-more-toxic garbage, we are going to see malnutrition cases increase dramatically in our own country. The poor are targeted by advertisers selling the most chemical-laden, GMO-filled substances masquerading as food, while simple, nutritious organic foods are out of reach for the average American. Those of us who prioritize real food are painted as snobs and elitists while marketers try to make fast food and packaged food the first choice for lower-income consumers. Of course, those of us in the know realize that looking after our health by filling our bodies with what was meant to nourish us is just good sense, and not an exercise in snobbery. We can easily compare our own financial situation to that of the UK, who can compare their situation to that of Greece. The pattern is the always the same when economies crumble, and wed be wise to use the information trickling out of Europe to serve as a guide to our preparedness steps. As a measure for the future, it is vital for the health of your family to stock up now on the most nutritious foods you can. Also purchase good quality vitamin supplements, heirloom seeds, and the necessary items from producing and preserving as much of your own food as possible. If we cant learn from history, were doomed to make the same mistakes that others did. People who were formerly middle class are now in line at food banks and recipients of government benefits. As things collapse further, food bank donations will slow down and benefits will get slashed again and again until they are gone. Watch closely the situations in Europe and the UK, because as their events unfold, we can see our own future. Daisy Luther is a freelance writer and editor. Her website,The Organic Prepper, wherethis article first appeared, offers information on healthy prepping, including premium nutritional choices, general wellness and non-tech solutions. You can follow Daisy onFacebookandTwitter, and you can email her atdaisy@theorganicprepper.ca 