Strategy to improve food security in remote communities

The Federal Government has released a 10-year National Strategy to improve food security in remote First Nations communities and increase access to affordable and nutritious food.

“We know that remote First Nations communities are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.

“This Strategy is about improving food security for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote communities in Western Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory, New South Wales and South Australia.”

The National Strategy has been developed in partnership with State and Territory Governments, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Health Organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The Strategy is the first coordinated national approach to address food insecurity and improve health outcomes for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

It is the result of extensive engagement, including consultations in 21 remote communities and 10 regional forums across the country.

The Strategy supports and builds on the Albanese Government’s recently announced Closing the Gap remote food security measures including:

• Reducing the cost of 30 essential products in more than 76 remote stores to help ease cost of living pressures and improve food security in remote communities.
• Building a nutrition workforce in remote communities by upskilling up to 120 local First Nations staff in remote stores.
• Creating a dedicated governance, training and support package for remote stores.

Marion Scrymgour, Member for Lingiari, said the National Strategy was aimed at improving access to affordable and nutritious food, regardless of where people live.

“As the Federal member of one of the most remote electorates in Australia, I know how food insecurity impacts remote First Nations communities,” she said.

 “This National Strategy is aimed at improving access to affordable and nutritious food, regardless of where people live.”