There are major differences taking place in how Ireland now produces, purchases and consumes food.
In the last decade, convenience foods have become part of our staple diet. Pies, pizzas, and packet soups are now common foods in many Irish homes. In a shift in consumption patterns, pre-prepared packages of food now find their way into the nation's shopping bags at supermarkets.
There's no doubt it's a kitchen revolution.
John Quinn, managing director of the H Williams chain of stores says ignorance and a lack of domestic help are among the reasons for the growth in demand for convenience foods. He says that the housewife, assumes responsibility to manage the home and provide for the family. This is often done without any training in managing a budget or education about food nutrition. There are many factors to the shift in consumption patterns. Laziness, indifference, incompetence and ignorance on the part of the housewife. With many women now working outside the home to provide for their families, they have less time on their hands and opt for convenience foods. John Quinn believes there is a need for a study to see why Ireland is one of the most overfed but undernourished countries in Europe.
This episode of 'Ireland's Eye' was broadcast on 4 November 1980. The reporter is John O'Donoghue.
