Which Suburbs Have the Best Access to Affordable, Healthy Food in Illawarra and Shoalhaven?

The "Let’s Talk About Food" survey, conducted with over 700 households in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions, explored residents' thoughts on food availability, affordability, and accessibility in their communities.

Key findings reveal that while most residents feel they can access healthy food shops, affordability remains a major concern. There is also strong dissatisfaction with the low availability of farmers markets and locally grown food, as well as a perceived overabundance of fast food and unhealthy food advertising. Community food initiatives, such as community gardens and food assistance programs, are seen as insufficient.

Some differences between Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven regions existed.

• Wollongong: High accessibility to healthy food and culturally diverse options, but food costs remain a concern, with low satisfaction in access to local produce.

• Shellharbour: Good access to healthy food but concerns about limited local produce and high fast-food presence.

• Shoalhaven: Easy access to healthy food from home and workplaces, yet concerns exist around food affordability and cultural diversity.

• Kiama: Strong satisfaction with local produce and minimal fast-food concerns, but concerns around food affordability and limited cultural food variety exist.

This report proposes recommendations to improve the availability, affordability, and accessibility of local food options, strengthen food security, and support healthier food environments in the region.