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An estimated 220,000 children in Scotland are living in households that are unlikely to be able to afford a healthy diet as defined by a UK Government eating guide, according to a think tank.

Families earning less than £15,860 would need to spend 39 per cent of their income after housing costs to follow Public Health England's Eatwell Guide , the Food Foundation said.

It estimates the cost of meeting the guide's recommendations at £103.17 per week for two adults and two children.

The Foundation says its analysis strengthens the call for a national measurement of food insecurity and further investigation into children's access to healthy food in the UK.

The Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland said being denied a nutritious diet impacts on children's development and is a violation of their rights.

(Image: Getty)

Bruce Adamson said: "These figures illustrate the impossible task facing many Scottish families.

"The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child is already concerned that Scotland does not have accurate data on the scale of food insecurity and we know children are going hungry, yet we still do not know the full extent of the problem.

"Child poverty needs to be recognised as a significant children's rights issue in Scotland and a sustained, systematic and human rights-based approach at both national and local levels is needed to tackle and eradicate it."

A Scottish Government spokesman added: "No one should be unable to afford a healthy diet in a country as prosperous as Scotland.

"Reducing health inequalities is one of the biggest challenges we face as they are a symptom of wider social issues.

"We already offer free school meals to all pupils in P1 to 3 and to pupils in older years from families on low incomes, but we know that costs can often rise during the school holidays.

"We will continue to consult widely to ensure our actions are proportionate and deliver health outcomes for everyone in Scotland."