Diet Cost and Affordability in Queensland: A Two-Year Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Diet affordability is a critical determinant of food security, health and wellbeing. However, the cost and affordability of diets have not been routinely measured in Queensland (Australia) in over a decade. This study assessed the cost and affordability of healthy (based on national healthy eating guidelines) and habitual (less healthy, based on national reported intake) diets across six Queensland regions. Data were collected in 35 communities, over two years (2023 and 2024), using the evidence-based Healthy Diets Australian Standardised Affordability and Pricing protocol. Data were analyzed relative to a six-person intergenerational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reference household. Results indicate that, across Queensland, healthy diet costs are above the threshold for food stress in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander households. On average, healthy diets were 30% cheaper than the habitual diet (which include alcohol and takeaway foods) but cost at least 26% of household income (above the 25% threshold for food stress). In 2023, healthy diets were on average 31% more expensive in remote communities compared to urban and regional centers. In 2024, the cost of a healthy diet in remote communities decreased significantly by 24%, narrowing diet cost differences between remote and non-remote regions. This shift could be associated with the implementation of a freight subsidy in remote Queensland, or other influences on remote food pricing. Findings highlight diet-related cost-of-living challenges for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and provide insight for policy interventions (such as targeted subsidies) to improve diet affordability and reduce nutrition-related health inequity.