Access to affordable, healthy food is a perennial problem for welfare dependent communities in South Australia's Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara - known as the APY Lands.
The situation has become so grave that the term Mai Wiya, or 'no food' days is in common usage.
However, the APY Executive says claims of starvation are exaggerated and very few children have nutrition problems. Health experts have said they agree with that evaluation.
The government has so far rejected calls for an emergency intervention and compulsory income management. It is hoping that planned Centrelink changes will bring immediate financial relief to those affected.
High food prices are a particular concern, pushed up by the enormous cost of freighting fresh vegetables to the remote region.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Grace Portolesi has launched an $820,000 food strategy involving money management, nutrition and gardening.
Local people, the Anangu, have welcomed the plan.
It is hoped fresh, healthy food can tackle problems like obesity and diabetes which have been plaguing the communities.
With freight costs forecast to jump 30 per cent, the stores are hoping governments will step in to ensure they remain viable.
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