Disability advocate Georgina Colman was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2003. Her condition requires avoiding gluten, dairy, processed foods, refined sugars, seed oils, legumes, and soy to reduce inflammation and stay healthy. The challenges of eating with multiple sclerosis are far from straightforward, with cost being one of the most significant hurdles.
According to the ONS, 16.1 million people in the UK suffer from a disability. In 2003, Georgina Colman joined the disabled community after a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, and since then, her relationship with food has been forced to change.
For 48-year-old Georgina Colman from Basingstoke, food wasn’t something she thought about much before she became disabled. “I never used to think about what I put in my body, so for most of my life, I ate most foods, although I’ve always had an aversion to cheese! I would eat processed foods and sugars without thinking of the impact.”
Since her MS diagnosis, she’s had to rethink her everyday routine. She now avoids gluten, dairy, processed foods, refined sugars, seed oils, legumes, soy, and more.
“I avoid inflammatory foods because they can exacerbate my symptoms and trigger flare-ups by overstimulating my immune system.” Mrs Colman explained. “I know it may seem strict to some, but it’s the right thing for me. I changed my diet around 8 years ago, and since then, I have not had any major flare-ups, and my inflammatory levels remain low.”
Georgina isn’t alone, as a survey from Purpl showed that 84% of disabled people in the UK have dietary requirements, and dairy-free, gluten-free, or lactose intolerant are the most common.
I have to spend over £400 a month to help prevent MS flare-ups and keep my body moving as well as it can
“I probably spend around £400 on groceries each month for myself and my family,” Georgina explained. “I shop twice a week because I buy mostly fresh food, and the dates never last. Then there’s a monthly order from an organic, grass-fed farm shop, costing around £80–100, plus roughly £50 on subscription-based speciality items like keto cereal or allergen-friendly snacks. The cost of gluten-free, dairy-free foods and non-processed fresh foods definitely increases the cost of my weekly shop.”
Georgina’s strict anti-inflammatory diet comes at a cost, and it’s one that continues to rise. Data from the ONS reported that, in the 12 months to February 2025, UK food inflation stood at 3.3% (CPIH), exceeding overall inflation for the first time since September 2024, indicating a faster rise in food prices.
Further research from Purpl showed that 56% of disabled people said increased food prices have been the most significant aspect of the cost of living crisis.
Commenting on the rising cost of food, Mrs Colman said, “It’s expensive to eat the way I do, and it’s not getting easier. But the way I see it, it’s better to spend on good food for my body than to eat inflammatory foods, risk getting ill, and rely more on the NHS.”
Georgina gets most of her diet from supermarkets, but they don’t always meet her needs.
Her reduced mobility means she has to rely on food delivery, and extra costs like annual delivery subscriptions, speciality ingredients, and high-quality alternatives add to the cost of groceries.
Once she’s got the food, preparing it can be a challenge. Her right hand is weak, so tasks like chopping, lifting heavy pots, or even opening packages aren’t easy. “Those ‘peel here’ labels are the worst,” she laughed. “It can be impossible when your hands don’t work well.”
It may seem small, but food packaging needs to be better
If she could change one thing about the current food system? Better packaging, for starters. “Make things easier to open. It’s such a small thing, but when your hands don’t work properly, it makes a huge difference.”
“I would also love to see more inclusivity from food delivery services and supermarkets, not just with the product range, but in understanding the different barriers people with disabilities face when it comes to cooking and eating.”
Georgina’s MS diagnosis not only reshaped her relationship with food but also gave her the idea to create something for the disabled community. In 2024, Georgina founded Purpl, a discount site for disabled people.
Reflecting on her journey, Georgina shared, “When I launched Purpl, I knew food and groceries had to be a core focus. Living with MS, I’ve seen firsthand how much my diet influences how I feel — but I also know how costly it can be to eat in a way that supports your health. That’s why I’m so proud we’ve partnered with food brands like Ocado and Gousto to help make nutritious food more affordable and accessible for others in the disabled community.”
Purpl members can access a range of discounts and offers on major brands like Sky, Poundland, Not On The High Street, Morrisons and more. To find out more, visit the Purpl website.
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