Lived Experience of Regional and Remote Food Systems: Barriers to and Enablers of Food Access in Western Australia

Abstract

Issue Addressed

To understand community and stakeholder perceptions of food supply chains in regional and remote Western Australia (WA).

Methods

This qualitative study used 19 focus groups with 61 food system stakeholders and 31 community members to understand barriers to and enablers of food supply and perspectives of what good food supply chains look like. A thematic analysis of focus group transcripts was conducted.

Results

Barriers included regulatory hurdles, lack of local facilities, limited food delivery, high food costs and lack of skill-sharing. Enablers included employment options, individual food processing skills, quality local food, local food awareness and emergency food relief. Participants envisioned a sustainable, affordable, adaptable and efficient food supply chain with local food access, food literacy, home food growing, culturally appropriate food, strong food supply actor relationships, waste management and food supply chain career opportunities.

Conclusions and Implications

Recommendations include establishing Food Action Groups (also known as Food Policy Councils) in WA, to facilitate more opportunities for regionally-produced food to be sold within regional WA communities to increase food availability, quality and reduce price; and enhance food literacy in schools, workplaces and communities using evidence-based programs.

So what?

This article provides lived experience perspectives of regional and remote food supply, illuminating key issues across each step of the food supply chain.