The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Yes, $5 for lettuce is too much. Government should act to stem the rising cost of healthy eating

  • Written by Christina Zorbas, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Deakin University
Yes, $5 for lettuce is too much. Government should act to stem the rising cost of healthy eating

The cost of living is on the rise. The recent Consumer Price Index[1] (a measure of inflation of a standard basket of goods) revealed Australians’ grocery baskets are one of the biggest casualties.

The latest data tell us[2] the fruit and veg in our shopping baskets costs, on average, 6.7% more than this time last year. Some items rose by far more. A cucumber, for example, went from A$2.20 last year to A$3.70 this year. The cost of lettuce[3] has become a touchstone during the current election campaign.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports fruit and vegetable prices have gone up because supply chains were affected by the COVID pandemic (for example, border closures and loss of farm workers), floods, and international conflict (increasing fuel and transport costs).

But takeaway foods only went up by 0.7%[4].

The ABS suggests the cost of takeaway foods did not increase as much because of government-funded subsidies and voucher programs in New South Wales[5] and Victoria[6].

The COVID pandemic has focused our attention on public health and government responses. But when it comes to building resilient food systems that support healthy and affordable diets for all – one of the most important[7] actions for public health – governments struggle to act[8].

Do healthy foods cost more than unhealthy options?

There is some debate[9] out there as to whether healthy foods cost more than unhealthy options.

The verdict usually comes down to how you measure[10] what constitutes healthy food and who you talk to.

Our assessments[11] consistently tell us one thing: healthy diets are not affordable for everyone. For people who receive low incomes, healthy diets make up about a quarter of their disposable income[12] (the money that comes into their household after taxes).

One in four Australians[13] say groceries are a big financial stress.

supermarket aisle with trolley and junk food shown
Supermarkets discount packaged foods more frequently than fresh produce. AAP Image/Luis Ascui[14]

Read more: VIDEO: Election focus is on hip pocket nerve with rising living costs and interest rates[15]

The price of ‘brain food’

We’ve monitored diet prices for many years and the implications of recent fresh food increases will continue to be heartbreaking for everyday people[16].

During our research, one single mother living in regional Victoria told us:

People look at cost first and foremost […] Bag of chips, $1.75, carrots, hummus and celery, $6 or $7. I know what I’m going to pick if I’m in a pinch, and it definitely ain’t the healthy choice.

Another mother of two put the purchase of fresh fruit into context, saying:

My little girl likes raspberries and blueberries. And I like her to have them, they’re brain food. But they range from $4 to $7 for a punnet. And that’s a huge portion of your weekly income.

All the nutrition knowledge in the world won’t help guide healthy choices if people can’t afford healthy food.

Supermarket specials can make unhealthy, ultra-processed foods and drinks look like good value for money. We’ve previously shown[17] unhealthy options are on special twice as much as healthy alternatives.

This pattern of discounting can be particularly persuasive for people on low incomes[18].

Finally, making food takes time. Buying takeaway foods may save time – even though regular consumption can cost us our health[19].

punnets of raspberries The appeal of fresh fruit isn’t the problem for families on low incomes. Shutterstock[20]

Read more: Supermarkets put junk food on special twice as often as healthy food, and that's a problem[21]

Making healthy diets affordable for everyone

Our food system does not prioritise the health of people or the planet.

While lines for food banks are growing[22], discussions about removing the GST-exemption[23] on fresh fruit and vegetables have been brewing.

As we face global food crises, our governments could be planning ways to keep healthy diets affordable for everyone – for example, by increasing subsidies[24] to keep the prices of healthy foods down.

In the Northern Territory, the Aboriginal-led Bagala Community Store has shown governments what’s possible by setting healthier supermarket pricing standards. When more specials were put on fruit and veg[25], consumption climbed by 100%.

In New Zealand, the government provides healthy lunches[26] to kids at school to reduce food costs for families.

Price is only half of the food affordability issue. As the cost of living rises, our incomes are spread thinner.

Even though there has been talk about lifting the minimum wage[27], we remain far from addressing the root causes of health inequalities[28] as we head into this election.

Healthy diets will only be affordable for all Australians if government income supports are lifted above the poverty line[29]. Our government income support rates (provided through JobSeeker) are the second lowest of high-income countries[30].

people lined up outside food bank Lines for food banks are growing. AAP Image/James Ross[31]

Research from the beginning of the pandemic showed for the first time, JobSeeker made healthy diets affordable[32] for people on low incomes. But the payments were later rescinded and people were put back into poverty. With rising housing costs, it’s a wonder anyone who depends on JobSeeker (A$345.50/week for a single parent[33]) now can buy food let alone seek out a healthy diet.

Read more: 'Too many people, not enough food' isn't the cause of hunger and food insecurity[34]

What’s next?

Governments and food industries[35] are not doing enough to make healthy diets affordable. The failure to respond to rising food prices, food insecurity, and intergenerational poverty is a missed opportunity.

Spikes in our food prices are a stark illustration of how vulnerable our food system is.

In the meantime, our team at Deakin University’s Institute for Health Transformation[36] will keep an eye on food prices and people’s lived experiences of them. We will keep calling for appropriate policies[37] that prioritise our right to affordable healthy diets.

References

  1. ^ Consumer Price Index (www.abs.gov.au)
  2. ^ tell us (www.abs.gov.au)
  3. ^ cost of lettuce (www.afr.com)
  4. ^ 0.7% (www.abs.gov.au)
  5. ^ New South Wales (www.service.nsw.gov.au)
  6. ^ Victoria (www.melbourne.vic.gov.au)
  7. ^ most important (www.thelancet.com)
  8. ^ struggle to act (link.springer.com)
  9. ^ debate (theconversation.com)
  10. ^ measure (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  11. ^ assessments (www.cambridge.org)
  12. ^ disposable income (data.oecd.org)
  13. ^ One in four Australians (www.finder.com.au)
  14. ^ AAP Image/Luis Ascui (photos-cdn.aap.com.au)
  15. ^ VIDEO: Election focus is on hip pocket nerve with rising living costs and interest rates (theconversation.com)
  16. ^ everyday people (iht.deakin.edu.au)
  17. ^ shown (theconversation.com)
  18. ^ low incomes (www.sciencedirect.com)
  19. ^ cost us our health (adc.bmj.com)
  20. ^ Shutterstock (image.shutterstock.com)
  21. ^ Supermarkets put junk food on special twice as often as healthy food, and that's a problem (theconversation.com)
  22. ^ lines for food banks are growing (www.foodbank.org.au)
  23. ^ discussions about removing the GST-exemption (www.obesityevidencehub.org.au)
  24. ^ subsidies (www.euro.who.int)
  25. ^ more specials were put on fruit and veg (www.katherinetimes.com.au)
  26. ^ provides healthy lunches (www.education.govt.nz)
  27. ^ lifting the minimum wage (www.smh.com.au)
  28. ^ from addressing the root causes of health inequalities (www.croakey.org)
  29. ^ lifted above the poverty line (csrm.cass.anu.edu.au)
  30. ^ second lowest of high-income countries (theconversation.com)
  31. ^ AAP Image/James Ross (photos-cdn.aap.com.au)
  32. ^ healthy diets affordable (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  33. ^ A$345.50/week for a single parent (www.servicesaustralia.gov.au)
  34. ^ 'Too many people, not enough food' isn't the cause of hunger and food insecurity (theconversation.com)
  35. ^ Governments and food industries (academic.oup.com)
  36. ^ Institute for Health Transformation (iht.deakin.edu.au)
  37. ^ appropriate policies (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/yes-5-for-lettuce-is-too-much-government-should-act-to-stem-the-rising-cost-of-healthy-eating-182295

The Times Features

Understanding the Dangers of Ignoring a Gas Leak

Gas leaks are silent threats lurking within both homes and workplaces. A gas leak occurs when natural gas or any other gaseous substance escapes from a pipeline or containment. T...

Can You Sell Your House Privately in Queensland? Here’s How

Selling a house privately in Queensland is entirely possible and can be a cost-effective alternative to using a real estate agent. While agents provide valuable expertise, their co...

Itinerary to Maximize Your Two-Week Adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia

Two weeks may not seem like much, but it’s just the right time for travelers to explore the best of Vietnam and Cambodia. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the magnificent te...

How to Protect Your Garden Trees from Wind Damage in Australia

In Australia's expansive landscape, garden trees hold noteworthy significance. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our homes but also play an integral role in the local...

Brisbane Homeowners Warned: Non-Compliant Flexible Hoses Pose High Flood Risk

As a homeowner in Brisbane, when you think of the potential for flood damage to your home, you probably think of weather events. But you should know that there may be a tickin...

Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo: Nourish and Revitalize Your Hair

Are you ready to transform your hair from dull and lifeless to vibrant and full of life? Look no further than the luxurious embrace of Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo! In a...

Times Magazine

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

How AI-Driven SEO Enhancements Can Improve Headless CMS Content Visibility

Whereas SEO (search engine optimization) is critical in the digital landscape for making connections to content, much of it is still done manually keyword research, metatags, final tweaks at publication requiring a human element that takes extensiv...

Crypto Expert John Fenga Reveals How Blockchain is Revolutionising Charity

One of the most persistent challenges in the charity sector is trust. Donors often wonder whether their contributions are being used effectively or if overhead costs consume a significant portion. Traditional fundraising methods can be opaque, with...

Navigating Parenting Arrangements in Australia: A Legal Guide for Parents

Understanding Parenting Arrangements in Australia. Child custody disputes are often one of the most emotionally charged aspects of separation or divorce. Parents naturally want what is best for their children, but the legal process of determining ...

Blocky Adventures: A Minecraft Movie Celebration for Your Wrist

The Minecraft movie is almost here—and it’s time to get excited! With the film set to hit theaters on April 4, 2025, fans have a brand-new reason to celebrate. To honor the upcoming blockbuster, watchfaces.co has released a special Minecraft-inspir...

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

LayBy Shopping