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FOOD POLICY AND SOCIAL EQUITY
Social inequality
Social inequality increases the burden of chronic disease and sees an over-representation of disease among lower socio-economic groups.28, 29 People on lower incomes are more likely to be overweight or obese and are less likely to consume the recommended daily serves of fruit and vegetables.30
Economically disadvantaged families may have no choice but to buy the cheapest food available - regardless of health or environmental impacts and the PHAA believes that significant structural changes in food policy are required to address these social determinants of health.
The cheapest foods tend to be high in added fats, sugars and refined grains. One study looking at this issue found that for US$1 you could buy 1200 calories of potato chips or 250 calories worth of carrots.31
In an environment with rising food prices (and rising petrol prices), this issue will impact on more and more people.
Recommended diet must be affordable on the lowest incomes. Good food policy:
- acknowledges that economically disadvantaged groups require targeted support; and
- implements innovative strategies to ensure that the economically disadvantaged can equally benefit from the positive impacts of whole and minimally processed foods that are predominantly plant-based and locally grown.
Education
The PHAA believes there is a need to ensure basic food literacy and skills education is available in all schools in Australia, as well as being available via community-based education initiatives.
Food literacy encompasses not merely knowledge of basic nutrients essential for healthy growth and development, to minimise risk of chronic illness and nourishment of the aged and infirmed; but also understanding of the connections between food choices and impacts on our environment - including refrigeration, waste and basic safe food preparation skills.
Social acceptance
A key element of a national, integrated food policy is to ensure that food guidance is accepted and integrated by Australians. As part of this, the PHAA believes food policy needs to establish alliances with food professionals and 'food champions' to re-shape attitudes to good foods, including the celebration of the benefits of minimally processed and locally grown whole foods.
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