Food Access and Availability in Auki, Solomon Islands

ABSTRACT

Our study assessed food access and availability in Auki, Solomon Islands by investigating the number, type and characteristics of food venues and characteristics of items for sale (including type, brand, price, source and quality) at one timepoint to determine feasibility for the local population to meet current guidelines. We found residents had good access to, and availability of foods from the three Pacific guidelines for a healthy lifestyle food groups, but diversity was lacking. Many fresh foods are likely seasonal suggesting there may be periods when Auki residents have greater/less access to a variety of foods, potentially impacting food security.

KEYWORDS:

• food desert
• food environment
• food security
• Pacific Islands
• Solomon Islands
• triple burden of malnutrition

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the support of our local translators and student research volunteers; Ms Bridget Horsey, Ms Jenna Perry, Ms Jessica Cheney, Ms Grace Kammholz and Ms Hayley Butcher who assisted with data collection. We would also like to acknowledge the New Colombo Plan and USC School of Health and Sport Sciences who supported the lead author to travel to Auki for this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.