In the year through June 2021, 8 tons less sugar was used (compared to the previous fiscal year) and 508 tons of fresh fruit and vegetables were sold in the 41 remote indigenous communities served by outback stores.
This outcome is the joint outcome of the Outback Stores Healthy Food Policy and strong, community-led decision-making by local store managers to address diet-related health issues.
Municipalities such as Engawala, Santa Teresa and Ali Curang have put restrictions on the size of soft drink bottles sold and introduced sugar-free weekdays.
Outback Stores Store Director Audrey Inkamala in Engawala.
"At first people didn't like it, but as shop clerks we told them it was better for our health and they got it," says shop director Audrey Inkamala about the introduction of 'Sugar-Free Wednesdays' in Engawala.
Since 2012, the proportion of whole sugar drinks in the branches served by Outback Stores has fallen by 23.24%. The proportion of water sold increased by 2.46% and sugar-free beverages also increased by 0.25%. The result is 80,079 liters less sugary beverages sold in remote communities, enough to fill an average backyard swimming pool.
"It's great to see Outback Stores and local store managers work together to promote a healthier retail environment for stores and communities," said Anna Murison, Health & Nutrition Manager, Outback Stores.
Improving access to nutritious and affordable food continues to be an important part of outback stores' nutritional policies. In the past fiscal year, customers bought a total of 508 tons of fresh fruit and vegetables, an amount that is four times the average sales volume per store in 2011.
Outback Stores works with communities to maintain pricing on all fruits and vegetables to help customers purchase fresh produce on a regular basis. Fresh fruit and vegetable prices are kept as close as possible to major retailers in big cities. Over the past year, the cost of fresh staples like carrots, onions, broccoli, apples, and bananas has fallen by an average of 40% as special prices for key product lines have been kept constant at or below the prices of major retailers.
From October to mid-December, Outback Stores advertises fruit and vegetables with a customer campaign. Those who spend $ 5 or more on fresh produce will be entered into a drawing to win a $ 100 voucher.
The National Nutrition Week runs from 10.-17. October. This year's theme is "Get more veg in your life". To view 100 new vegetable recipes and videos, as well as downloadable resources, visit tryfor5.org.au.
