Introduction: Indigenous communities suffer a greater burden of diet-related ill health than other Australians. This study examined impact of efforts to improve nutrition and food supply on Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in Central Australia from 1986.
Methods: Multiple methods were employed including systematic document searches. Dietary intake of the five APY communities that have a Mai Wiru (good food) store was quantified by the store-turnover method. The price of a basket of basic foods, implementation of nutrition policy requirements and healthy food checklists were assessed in all APY communities at intervals from 2012. Results were compared with previous available data.
Results: Concerted efforts resulted in marked achievements including decreased intake of sugar, increased availability and affordability of healthy foods (particularly fruit and vegetables) and consequent improvement in some nutrient intakes. Yet, the overall effect has been a decrease in total diet quality since 1986, characterised by increased supply of unhealthy products high in saturated fat, added sugar and salt, particularly sugar sweetened beverages, convenience meals and take-away foods.
Conclusions: Improvements confirm that residing in remote communities can help Aboriginal residents exert control over key aspects of the food system. However, the overall findings reflect broader changes to the broader Australian food supply and reinforce the notion that, in the absence of supportive regulation and market intervention, adequate and sustained resources are required to improve nutrition, prevent and manage diet-related disease on the APY Lands. The study also provides insights into food systems affecting other remote communities, wider Australia and countries globally.