University of Tasmania, Australia

The UDRH in partnership between Anglicare Tasmania Inc., the School of Human Life Sciences, Dorset and Clarence City Councils and the Department of Health and Human Services has received $180,000 over 18 months to conduct a research project on Food Security in Tasmania. The project is funded by the Department of Premier and Cabinet through the Tasmanian Government Food Security Fund.

Food security is essential not only for the health and wellbeing of people but also for economic growth and development of the nation as a whole. Food is a major contributor to the Tasmanian economy. However, due to a higher level of socioeconomic disadvantage in Tasmania compared to other states, food insecurity is likely to be experienced by proportionately more people. Whilst there have been efforts made to address the causes of food insecurity in Tasmania such as the establishment of the Tasmanian Food Security Council and the implementation of the Tasmanian Food and Nutrition Policy, there is currently dearth of existing data on food security in Tasmania. In particular information relating to the areas of food availability (quality and price), barriers in food supply and infrastructure (facilities, distribution systems etc.) is limited.

The aim of the Tasmanian Food Access Research project is to identify and improve understanding of food access in two municipal areas, namely the municipalities of Dorset and Clarence, through the application of a community development framework.

Project Leaders

• Quynh Le

Members

• Stuart Auckland

Members (External)

Jo Flanagan, Ann Hughes (Anglicare Tasmania Inc.), Gretchen Long (DHHS), Tracey Etchells (Dorset Council), Susanne Schulz (Clarence City Council), Sandra Murray (Human Life Science).