The Household Food & Health Study
The Household Food & Health Study is the largest household-level study ever undertaken on the island of Ireland. By working with households across Ireland, we aim to understand how diets, lifestyles, and food choices are changing as we move towards healthier and more sustainable ways of eating. The study will help us better understand the real-life challenges people face when making food choices.
The Household Food & Health Study is part of the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems, a major research partnership across Ireland and the UK focused on improving food systems, health, and sustainability.
Who we are
Working with households across the island of Ireland, we are gathering up-to-date information about what people eat, how they live, and how they feel about food. We are also exploring how factors such as cost, convenience, local food availability and policy influence food choices.
What we do
Researchers from Ulster University, University College Cork, University College Dublin and Queen’s University Belfast aim to recruit approximately 1,500 households, involving around 5,000 participants, from across the island of Ireland.
Our reach
Why this study is important?
Households across the island of Ireland are being invited to take part in our largest ever study of food, diet and health.
Help shape a healthier future
By taking part you'll help us understand:
Everyday eating habits and food choices
How rising food prices affect households
How diet influences health and wellbeing
How to support healthier and sustainable diets
What’s involved?
Participation in this study takes place over three weeks and is completed entirely online. You can take part at your own pace and complete the questionnaires whenever it suits your schedule.
During the study, you will be asked to complete questionnaires about:
Health and eating habits
Home and daily lifestyle
Food knowledge and behaviours
Wellbeing and experiences
Optional: You may also choose to provide a simple finger-prick blood sample and cheek swab
Can I take part?
We’re inviting households from across the island of Ireland to take part.
What do we mean by a household?
One person living alone
A family
Housemates
sharing a home
Who can join?
Anyone aged 4 years and over.
At least 50% of your household needs to be willing take part. For example, if four people live in the home, at least two would need to participate.
How to take part
Join us on this exciting journey to help us better understand food choices, health and wellbeing.
If would like to discuss anything relating to the study with your local reseacher, please see all the details below.