The Outer East Community Food Access Research Project, was a report commissioned through the Primary Care Partnerships and nutrition networks and examined the proximity to fresh and nutritious food to residents living in Maroondah, Knox and the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
While Maroondah is generally well provisioned with access to fresh food, through supermarkets, green grocers, delicatessens and other outlets, there are considerable differences between the prices that are charged for fresh food between each suburb and locality.
This has an impact on residents being able to purchase nutritious food, relative to other needs such as clothing and shelter. The report found that some residents within the community were eating less so as to afford other necessities, such as accommodation.
The launch of the report provides further insight into the health and wellbeing of the Maroondah community and is timely given that Council is currently reviewing its Community Wellbeing Plan.