The regulatory scrutiny over the pricing strategies of major Australian supermarkets may serve the interests of transparency but overlooks the role these retail giants play in fostering better health habits among Aussies. In our bid to hold supermarkets accountable it’s also important to acknowledge the effort supermarkets have made to foster healthy eating.
The debate around grocery pricing, while significant, overshadows an opportunity for supermarkets to further lead the charge in combating Australia’s nutritional crisis. Initiatives like offering free fruit for kids and selling ‘imperfect’ produce shows that supermarkets are already committed towards making quality produce more accessible. However, with only 4 in 10 adults consuming the recommended servings of vegetables, and junk food consumption at an all-time high, there’s a clear need for further action.
The core challenge isn’t only about affordability; it’s about dismantling stubborn myths that healthy eating is expensive and time-consuming. The truth is, a nutritionally balanced diet is within reach for most Australians, with a bit of knowledge and planning. Supermarkets have a pivotal role in this educational journey, as a convenient source of ingredients for a healthy life but also the know-how.
One of the biggest hurdles to better food literacy is the lack of education and accessibility. Many Australians simply don’t know how to incorporate affordable, nutritious foods into their daily lives. Supermarkets can bridge this gap by highlighting in-season produce, partnering with culinary experts to provide easy, healthy recipes, and ensuring staples remain affordable.
Price locking staples is a good start but there’s always room for improvement. Imagine supermarkets transforming into hubs for food education, where budget-friendly, nutritious foods are promoted and celebrated.
A fresher way to overcome nutritional challenges
At its core, balanced eating and food literacy is a skill which can be learned. While fresh fruit and veggies can be more expensive, shoppers who buy in season stand to benefit in terms of price and quality. Frozen veg is just as nutritious as fresh – the snap freezing process locks in important nutrients and fibre and is a convenient and cheap way to add in some veggies when the fridge is otherwise empty.
Grains, rice, and legumes like beans and lentils are another great way to add in healthy, delicious and filling plant-based protein into Australian diets. Low cost and shelf-stable, these can be purchased in bulk and stored almost indefinitely. You don’t even need to spend ages soaking and softening legumes either – canned beans work just as well and can be added to almost anything from nourishing soups to bulking up bolognese sauce.
Supermarkets can guide consumers towards these choices through clear signage, informative displays, and targeted promotions. Tips for storage and preparation go a long way towards reducing food waste and make the food shop more budget friendly. Expanding the health star rating system to cover a broader range of foods, including cost-per-serve information, can empower consumers to make informed choices that are both healthy and economical.
Supermarkets, with their vast reach and influence, are uniquely positioned to drive significant improvements in Australia’s dietary habits. By placing healthier options front and centre, incentivising fresh, seasonal purchases, and supporting local food producers, supermarkets can lead the cultural shift towards better nutrition.
With Woolworths capturing 37% of the market, Coles 28%, and Aldi 10%, it’s clear that major supermarkets are heavily relied upon to meet Australia’s nutritional needs. As such, they are the gatekeepers to a healthier Australia and should be embraced as part of the solution.
The truth is we need supermarkets and they need us. Rather than base the cost of living conversation on blame and recrimination, we must learn to work together if we are serious about driving truly meaningful changes to Australians’ health.
The regulatory scrutiny over the pricing strategies of major Australian supermarkets may serve the interests of transparency but overlooks the role these retail giants play in fostering better health habits among Aussies. In our bid to hold supermarkets accountable it’s also important to acknowledge the effort supermarkets have made to foster healthy eating.
The debate around grocery pricing, while significant, overshadows an opportunity for supermarkets to further lead the charge in combating Australia’s nutritional crisis. Initiatives like offering free fruit for kids and selling ‘imperfect’ produce shows that supermarkets are already committed towards making quality produce more accessible. However, with only 4 in 10 adults consuming the recommended servings of vegetables, and junk food consumption at an all-time high, there’s a clear need for further action.
The core challenge isn’t only about affordability; it’s about dismantling stubborn myths that healthy eating is expensive and time-consuming. The truth is, a nutritionally balanced diet is within reach for most Australians, with a bit of knowledge and planning. Supermarkets have a pivotal role in this educational journey, as a convenient source of ingredients for a healthy life but also the know-how.
One of the biggest hurdles to better food literacy is the lack of education and accessibility. Many Australians simply don’t know how to incorporate affordable, nutritious foods into their daily lives. Supermarkets can bridge this gap by highlighting in-season produce, partnering with culinary experts to provide easy, healthy recipes, and ensuring staples remain affordable.
Price locking staples is a good start but there’s always room for improvement. Imagine supermarkets transforming into hubs for food education, where budget-friendly, nutritious foods are promoted and celebrated.
A fresher way to overcome nutritional challenges
At its core, balanced eating and food literacy is a skill which can be learned. While fresh fruit and veggies can be more expensive, shoppers who buy in season stand to benefit in terms of price and quality. Frozen veg is just as nutritious as fresh – the snap freezing process locks in important nutrients and fibre and is a convenient and cheap way to add in some veggies when the fridge is otherwise empty.
Grains, rice, and legumes like beans and lentils are another great way to add in healthy, delicious and filling plant-based protein into Australian diets. Low cost and shelf-stable, these can be purchased in bulk and stored almost indefinitely. You don’t even need to spend ages soaking and softening legumes either – canned beans work just as well and can be added to almost anything from nourishing soups to bulking up bolognese sauce.
Supermarkets can guide consumers towards these choices through clear signage, informative displays, and targeted promotions. Tips for storage and preparation go a long way towards reducing food waste and make the food shop more budget friendly. Expanding the health star rating system to cover a broader range of foods, including cost-per-serve information, can empower consumers to make informed choices that are both healthy and economical.
Supermarkets, with their vast reach and influence, are uniquely positioned to drive significant improvements in Australia’s dietary habits. By placing healthier options front and centre, incentivising fresh, seasonal purchases, and supporting local food producers, supermarkets can lead the cultural shift towards better nutrition.
With Woolworths capturing 37% of the market, Coles 28%, and Aldi 10%, it’s clear that major supermarkets are heavily relied upon to meet Australia’s nutritional needs. As such, they are the gatekeepers to a healthier Australia and should be embraced as part of the solution.
The truth is we need supermarkets and they need us. Rather than base the cost of living conversation on blame and recrimination, we must learn to work together if we are serious about driving truly meaningful changes to Australians’ health.
Amal Wakim is co-founder of Equalution.