Energy poverty and food insecurity: Is there an energy or food trade-off among low-income Australians?

Abstract

Large price rises can lead to what has been termed a ‘heat or eat’ trade-off, where some low-income individuals must choose between energy use and putting food on the table. Low-income individuals are particularly at risk. There are effects on physical health from either restricted energy use or restricted food intake (in terms of quantity or nutritional value) and there may also be effects on mental health due to stress associated with being unable to pay bills or buy food. Considering escalating energy and food prices, this study investigates the energy or food trade-off among low-income people in Australia. While there is some literature on the heat or eat trade-off, our contribution lies..