An investigation by Choice revealed that in remote communities across Western Australia and the Northern Territory, the cost of basic groceries, specifically focusing on fruits and vegetables, is substantially higher compared to urban areas. In the Great Sandy Desert, Pilbara, West Daly, and Tiwi Islands, the average price for a selection of groceries was found to be $99.38, more than double the urban average of $44.70. Particularly, the price of apples varied significantly, with urban areas averaging $4.87 per kilo compared to $7.50 on the Tiwi Islands and $9.10 in West Daly.
Financial counselor Bettina Cooper highlighted the tough choices faced by individuals in these communities, often having to decide which meals to skip due to the high cost of living and lack of alternative shopping options. The Australian government is in the process of developing a national strategy for food security in remote First Nations communities, acknowledging the challenges of higher prices, inconsistent availability, and lower quality of healthy food options in these areas. The strategy aims to address the root causes of food insecurity, including the economic barriers that contribute to the high prevalence of food insecurity among First Nations people in remote locations.
Source: SBS