How can we increase the affordability of healthy diets as a community?

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) for 2024 indicates that Sri Lanka faces a moderate level of hunger with a score of 11.3. As a low-middle-income developing nation (WHO Classifications), many low-income families in Sri Lanka struggle to access nutritious food, often allocating a disproportionate share of their income to food expenses. This situation is intensified by economic barriers, structural inequities within the food system, and the marketing of unhealthy food options, leading to a concerning decline in dietary diversity and nutrient intake among vulnerable populations.

Historically, Sri Lanka's diverse food culture and dietary patterns have been influenced by agricultural practices and socio-economic evolution. Despite this rich culinary heritage, modern economic pressures pose significant challenges to maintaining traditional dietary practices, even in urban settings where unhealthy food is often more accessible.

Communities are vital yet often overlooked actors in the food supply chain, serving as both consumers and increasingly as producers and distributors of local food. Recognizing communities’ role within the supply chain empowers them to counteract unhealthy food marketing and foster healthier food environments. Hence, this article expects to present a few potential recommendations that the community can initiate in order to encourage healthy eating.

1. Promote Community-Based Agriculture Initiatives

• Community Gardens and Urban Agriculture: Community gardens can be established in urban areas, vacant plots and public spaces. These will help residents cultivate fresh vegetables and fruits, reducing dependency on market prices and improving access to affordable produce.
• Shared Resources for Inputs: Communities can collectively purchase seeds, fertilizers, and tools at reduced costs through cooperative buying. This makes it more affordable to maintain small gardens or participate in local agriculture initiatives.

2. Increase Awareness for Cost-Effective & Nutrient-Dense Cooking

• Workshops on Affordable, Nutritious Meals: Local organizations and schools could organize workshops on cooking methods that maximize nutrition from affordable foods (e.g., legumes, seasonal vegetables).
• Recipe Sharing and Community Cookbooks: By encouraging communities to share recipes that are both affordable and nutritionally dense, families can learn to prepare diverse meals that meet dietary needs without high costs. A collaborative cookbook, for instance, could feature local, budget-friendly recipes that incorporate traditional ingredients.

3. Encourage the Consumption of Local - Seasonal Food

• Support Local Markets: By purchasing from local farmers’ markets and choosing seasonal produce, households can benefit from lower prices compared to imported or out-of-season items, which are often more expensive due to supply chain costs.
• Reintroduce Traditional Food Practices: Many traditional Sri Lankan food such as jackfruit, yams, and a variety of leafy greens are nutrient-dense and less costly when sourced locally. Reviving their popularity can provide nutritious alternatives that are both affordable and culturally significant.

4. Cultivate Community and Household Food Storage Practices

• Food Preservation Techniques: Teaching methods such as drying, pickling, and fermenting can help households extend the shelf life of affordable seasonal foods, reducing waste and improving food availability.
• Community Food Banks: Community-run food banks that accept donations of surplus produce or packaged staples can provide families with supplementary food resources, especially during shortages or economic downturns.

5. Utilize Technology for Knowledge Sharing

• Online Nutritional Education and Budgeting Apps: Digital platforms and apps can offer tips on budget-friendly meals, seasonal produce, and even gardening techniques, helping families make informed choices based on affordability.
• Social Media and Messaging Groups: Communities can use social media or messaging apps to share information on where to find affordable produce, which vendors offer discounts, and updates on community initiatives related to food security.

Quite often, it is easy to blame the people in power than to take practical efforts to tackle the problems at hand. Instead, if change can begin from our homes and gradually expand its scope, the community itself can bring significant improvement to the living standards and lifestyles.