Fruit and vegetables out of reach

Melbourne 24 July 2014. Alarming new research shows the price of healthy food is unaffordable for many Tasmanian households and it’s partly due to the shopping choices available in our towns and neighbourhoods.
 

Findings from the University of Tasmania Healthy Food Basket Survey show some Tasmanian families need to spend more than 40% of their household budget to eat for good health.
 

Additionally, of the shops in Tasmania where you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, only 5% are located in low income areas.
 

Heart Foundation CEO Tasmania Graeme Lynch said in low income areas we found that fruit and vegetables were more expensive with reduced variety and availability.
 

“Unfortunately, the most disadvantaged in our communities are the ones who find it really challenging to eat a healthy diet,” he said.
 

The survey results will support action to address these challenges through the Healthy Food Access Project, run by the Heart Foundation and funded by Tasmania Medicare Local through the Australian Government’s Tasmanian Health Assistance Package.
 

At the Local Government of Tasmania Conference today, the Heart Foundation will announce that a total of $480,000 will be offered under the project to fund initiatives across Tasmania in communities that are most impacted by the study findings.
 

“This information gives local governments a clearer picture of how hard it is for some households to afford and access healthy food in their area,” Mr Lynch said.
 

“It’s not just the responsibility of local governments. This will also require business, health, communities, food growers and all levels of government to work together to find local solutions that are sustainable over the long term.
 

“We know fruit and vegetable intake in Tasmania is dismal - only 10% eat the recommended five serves or more of vegetables and 44% eat the recommended two serves of fruit[1]. Through this project, we hope to change those statistics and help fight against chronic disease in Tasmania.
 

“Everyone should have the opportunity to make choices that allow them to live a long healthy life, regardless of their income, location, education or background,” he said.
 

Tasmania Medicare Local’s Manager – Social Determinants of Health, Ms Maree Gleeson, said healthy food was an important building block for good health.
 

“We talk about the social determinants of health – the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, play and age, which can be underlying reasons why people experience poor health,” she said.
 

“Being able to find and afford healthy food is a significant social determinant of health.
 

“Some communities are already responding to this challenge in a really positive way with initiatives such as engaging local people in growing, cooking and selling healthy produce.
 

“This project is an opportunity to build on the great work already being done as well as coming up with new grassroots solutions.”

Emma Bourke Media & Communications Manager
Heart Foundation, Level 12, 500 Collins Street, Melbourne, Vic 3000
Tel: (03) 9090 2046