Edith Cowan University program studies factors contributing to lack of food security in Mid West region

A new program rolled out across the State will have the potential to support the Mid West community facing food security challenges by expanding current initiatives in cooking and nutrition education. The Midwest Food Community project designed by Edith Cowan University was launched on Thursday, October 13 at the Geraldton Regional Library. The program aims to support people struggling to access food for daily nutrition requirements, whether it be because of a lack of supply, the distance to travel, affordability, knowledge, social constraints or other barriers. ECU’s Centre for People, Place and Planet project lead Dr Stephanie Godrich said the trial provided positive results in the way of professional development, new community networks and meetings with government and community organisations. “Food security is dependent on many factors including the availability and variety of nutritious food, multiple food retail options, transport to access food, adequate food preparation and cooking facilities and nutrition knowledge and cooking skills, among others,” she said. “Rural and remote locations, such as those in the Mid West, face more challenges when it comes to maintaining food security, given a wide variety of good quality, affordable, healthy food, is often less available.” ECU worked alongside initiative leaders working with nutrition education in farmers markets, social enterprises and workshops to enhance existing initiatives to stronger support food security action. The Mid West program will be tailored to work on issues specific to the region.