Trends in the cost of a healthy food basket and fruit and vegetable availability in New South Wales, Australia, between 2006 and 2009

Abstract

Aim To compare food costs and variety of fresh fruits and vegetables (F&V) available at three time points in December 2006, December 2008 and July 2009. Methods Data on the cost of a 44‐item food basket across the main food groups including fresh and packaged foods were collected in 2006 (149 stores), 2008 (105 stores) and 2009 (129 stores). In addition, the number of varieties of 30 different fresh F&V was surveyed. Stores included the two major supermarket chains and smaller grocery chains using a convenience sample in NSW. The effects of rural/regional differences, socioeconomic differences, and store competition on cost and variety were assessed. Results The mean price of the food basket increased by 3.4% between December 2006 and 2008 and was lowest in July 2009, decreasing by 6.2% from December 2006. Variation between the cheapest and most expensive individual stores resulted in a $221 price difference in 2009, $148 in 2008 and $182 in 2006. Total food and F&V costs were more expensive in remote areas compared with highly accessible areas. The number of F&V varieties was influenced by increasing remoteness, low socioeconomic area and supermarket competition. Conclusions There was considerable variability in food costs by geographic areas and availability of fresh F&V also varied in both geographic and socio‐demographic areas. Monitoring of food costs may help reduce price variability, enabling identification of areas where the cost of food is disproportionately high.

Is the type and location of grocery stores a predictor of healthy and unhealthy food availability? A cross‐sectional study

“…Although the present study found that being a general store was the strongest predictor of missing food items, urban or regional location also mattered. Research from other Australian states and territories have shown decreased healthy food availability in general stores or community stores and with increasing remoteness . We did not find a relationship between availability and location, when expressed as distance from the capital city CBD.…”

“…To date, variations of a healthy food basket have been used in each state and territory to assess the cost, affordability and availability of a healthy diet. This food monitoring research has largely focused on food cost . Less is known about the physical availability of healthy food, with most research examining food availability from a socioeconomic perspective, often measuring fruit and vegetables only .…”

“…This food monitoring research has largely focused on food cost . Less is known about the physical availability of healthy food, with most research examining food availability from a socioeconomic perspective, often measuring fruit and vegetables only . There has only been one published study that has measured the availability of all healthy food groups in Victoria and this was limited to a rural setting .…”

Utamu wa Afrika (the sweet taste of Africa): The vegetable garden as part of resettled African refugees' food environment

“…In Australia, resettled refugees have reported that the cost of vegetables is higher than that of meat, which may account for the increased consumption of meat and decreased consumption of fruits and vegetables reported among resettled refugees . In addition, the cost of core foods such as fruits and vegetables has also been reported to be high across Australia . As almost half of the participants were unemployed and more than half had annual household incomes below $30 000, they may not be able to afford to include healthy foods in their diets.…”

“…4,21 In addition, the cost of core foods such as fruits and vegetables has also been reported to be high across Australia. [22][23][24] As almost half of the participants were unemployed and more than half had annual household incomes below $30 000, they may not be able to afford to include healthy foods in their diets. Hence, by growing their own food, resettled refugees have an inexpensive way of accessing healthy foods such as vegetables, enabling them to make healthy food choices at little or no cost.…”