In 2013 and 2014, the Far West LHD Dietetics Department and student Dietitians created a healthy food basket (an example of a weekly food shop that can meet a family’s nutritional needs) specifically for Broken Hill. This was compared to a basket based on more common food consumption trends and it was found that the healthy food basket was considerably cheaper.
This year’s student dietitians have re-costed these baskets to monitor food cost changes over time. They found that food prices have increased by comparison, but that it remains cheaper to shop healthy.
“There is a common misconception that eating healthy is more expensive. We want to show people that this isn’t always the case,” said Nathan Clay, student Dietitian.
When based on median incomes for the Broken Hill area, the healthy food basket was classed as affordable for families. However, for those relying on welfare payments, it required a significant proportion of income and was deemed to be unaffordable. The common food basket was significantly more expensive and deemed to be unaffordable for some families on median incomes and all families on welfare payments. The students also acknowledged that some families in Broken Hill may find it difficult to afford either basket.
Census data shows that over one third of households in Broken Hill are made up of people living alone, so the students also created a healthy food basket for one person.
“We know that it can be hard to shop and cook when you live on your own, so we want to help these residents of Broken Hill shop in a more affordable and healthy way,” said Emma Rita, student Dietitian.
A resource has been developed based on the basket that includes a weekly meal plan, shopping checklist and budget healthy eating tips. This will be used by the Dietetics Department when educating clients.
Some of the tips include:
- Plan your weekly meals, to make best use of ingredients when they’re fresh to avoid waste.
- Have a shopping list and stick to it!
- Limit takeaway and utilise leftovers.
- Shop for in season fruits and vegetables
- Look out for food specials for items you plan to buy, but don’t be drawn by specials for things you don’t need.
- Shop for home brands.
- Limit discretionary food items that don’t provide much nutritional value (ie: soft drink, chips, chocolate).
“We hope our work can benefit the people of Broken Hill by demonstrating how healthy eating can save you money at the same time,” said Ben Thompson, student Dietitian.
