Nutrition, Economics and Food Distribution in an Australian Aboriginal Community

Abstract

Click to increase image sizeClick to decrease image size Notes 1. Because the topic of health is particularly personal, I have carefully followed the guidelines of informed consent and use pseudonyms for all participants. 2. Naughton, O'Dea and Sinclair (Citation1986, 685) found that the muscle tissue of most native species consumed by Aboriginal people contains less than 2.6 per cent fat. 3. Improved nutrition alone, however, is not necessarily enough to reduce the rate of lifestyle diseases. McDermott et al. (Citation2000) found that, while the diet of Aboriginal residents in their study improved—they consumed less saturated fats and refined carbohydrates—instances of diabetes and obesity still increased by 80 and 60 per cent, respectively. Eating patterns and lack of exercise, not just nutrition, influence health. 4. Warlpiri people do value fat on hunted animals but, as Naughton, O'Dea and Sinclair (Citation1986, 689) point out, there is less fat on hunted animals, and foods that do contain high levels of fat, such as witchetty grubs, are seasonal. As a result, eating a traditional diet would still have been low in fat. 5. In a recent report, the Northern Territory Government Department of Health and Community Services (Citation2003b, 1) notes that an average of seven fruit choices and 12 vegetable choices are available. 6. Although the Lajamanu Progress Association, whose board is composed of Aboriginal members only, officially owns and operates the store, it is still considered by Lajamanu residents to be controlled by non‐Aboriginal people, who comprise most of the senior workforce. 7. Studies show that in the Northern Territory most Aboriginal people prefer white bread to wholemeal, which contributes to low fibre intake (Northern Territory Department of Health and Community Services Citation1995, 5). 8. This seems to have been occurring since Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory were first given cash. Rowse (Citation1998, 181) records that, after stores were opened in communities, Aboriginal residents would patronise them immediately after payday but gradually return to rations as their money was spent. 9. Povinelli (Citation1993, 178) reports similar behaviour. 10. Tregenza and Abbot (Citation1995, 19), Povinelli (Citation1993, 183) and Beck (Citation1985, 84) also note transport is often a major barrier to food collection. 11. This does not include the casual hunting that often takes place while travelling between communities or outstations. 12. Stewart (Citation1997, 1) reports similar conditions in the Cape York Peninsula. 13. Stewart (Citation1997, 110) also comments that, for the residents of Aboriginal communities in the Cape York Peninsula, hunting is a time‐consuming venture and many prefer the luxury of the local shop.