A Hong Kong NGO on Tuesday called for food vouchers that can only be spent on nutritious items, warning that healthy meals are often the first to go when families struggle with rising prices.

Food Grace, which promotes food recycling and supports low-income communities, surveyed more than 350 families and elderly residents.

Nearly half said food takes up over 40 percent of their household spending. Many also reported that they are paying more for the same amount of food compared with last year.

Project manager Angela Lo said government subsidies for senior citizens are helpful, but people don’t always use the money for nutritious foods.

“Our survey shows that nearly half of respondents — about 45 percent — said if prices keep going up, they’ll have to cut back not just on the amount of food, but also on the quality,” Lo said.

“Skipping lunch to save money for dinner isn’t something that might happen in the future — it’s already happening now. That’s a clear warning for public health.”

She explained that nutrition vouchers would be different from general subsidies.

“By nutritional food vouchers, we mean they should only be used to buy healthy foods. The goal is to make sure the money isn’t spent on other things, but truly helps people eat well. Ultimately, we want everyone to maintain a healthy diet.”

She noted that at their food bank, the most sought-after items are fresh fruits and vegetables, along with eggs, milk, and soy products.

Besides the voucher scheme, Food Grace also urged businesses to set up “surplus food zones” offering near-expiry goods at discounted prices, and encouraged welfare groups to run workshops on nutritious cooking and budget management.