The Impact of Rising Cost of Food on Shopping and Eating in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven

The "Let’s Talk About Food" survey, conducted with >700 households in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions aimed to understand the impact of rising food costs on consumer shopping behaviours, diet satisfaction, and the barriers they face in healthy eating.

Key findings reveal residents have significant concerns over the increasing prices of essential food items, leading to notable changes in food purchasing behaviours, dietary adjustments, and emotional stress. Only a fraction of respondents eat enough fruits and vegetables.

This report proposes strategic recommendations to support the community in maintaining a nutritious diet despite financial constraints. The survey findings have spurred the establishment of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Food Futures Taskforce, a network of health experts and community advocates working collaboratively to promote a healthier, more accessible regional food system.