Breaking barrier to healthy food
THE IMPACTS OF THIS WELFARE SUPPLY SYSTEM HAVE BEEN COMPOUNDING THE POOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF CAPE YORK FAMILIES FOR DECADES.
CAIRNS residents may pay a few dollars for a bag of sugar or a fresh lettuce but, for the people of Cape York, that amount will be two to three times higher. Adding further insult is the quality of that “fresh” produce. In reality, that lettuce will most likely be brown.
It is common knowledge that for the Indigenous communities on Cape York, average food prices are two to three times those of the nearest regional centre. That food is generally of a much lower quality and variety, with only limited bulk purchasing available.
It’s difficult to understand the impact of poor nutrition when you are well fed but the impacts of this welfare supply system have been compounding the poor health and wellbeing of Cape York families for decades.
As coronavirus biosecurity lockdowns came into effect on Cape York, the situation became more challenging for residents, who could not travel for groceries, leaving them no option other than their local store.
Cape York Partnership (CYP) has been acutely aware of the problems of access to affordable and healthy food through all Cape York stores for many years. Its repeated attempts to seek reform with the Queensland Government have fallen on deaf ears.
In March, when biosecurity lockdowns were put in place, CYP recognised practical, onthe-ground action was essential. In response, the Pama Futures agenda – a key component of CYP and its role in empowering Indigenous communities – developed a pilot food box delivery program.
Mayi Market – Mayi meaning vegetable, or food from plants, in multiple Cape York First Nation languages and dialects – is a not-for-profit initiative delivering a range of affordable, fresh food boxes directly to Cape York communities and households.
Mayi Market’s mission is to make healthy, fresh food available to remote Cape York communities at the lowest possible price.
The response has been rapid, with Mayi Market now delivering food boxes to 286 households across three communities – Coen, Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal – with its own supply chain via an online ordering system. There is growing demand for this service, with six other communities expressing interest.
CYP is working on building the supply chain to meet this significant demand, while constantly seeking ways to reduce transaction and delivery costs.
Recipients can order boxes of fresh meat, eggs, fruit and vegetables from the base in Cairns. Prices range from $5 for a dozen eggs to a $175 meat box that could feed a family for weeks.
Even though feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, there are many challenges for the further growth and sustainability of Mayi Market that Pama Futures is working on, including delivery to remote communities such as Aurukun and Lockhart River – which rely on an expensive State Government sea freight service – and ensuring continued supply during the wet season.
Mayi Market aims to transform the way people access groceries so fresh produce and meat are a part of daily life.
To order or for details, visit: mayimarket.com.au