National Good Food Nation Plan: Island Communities Impact Assessment

Data and stakeholders

Island communities face particular challenges when it comes to food. These mainly relate to consistent supply and delivery of food, the availability of fresh produce (an important part of a healthy diet) as well as the affordability of food.

The recent Human Rights Commission report outlined some of the unique challenges that island communities face in relation to access and availability of food and the realisation of the right to food.^[1]

The report highlights that:

• Availability of food is a key concern. Shops often remain unstocked, in particular during periods of inclement weather when the ferry service is unreliable. The type of food available in the shops is also not meeting communities’ needs, with healthier options not as readily available.
• Accessibility to food is compounded by the location of shops, sometimes requiring extensive travel. Some people also have to prioritise fuel costs (for transportation and heating) over food. In addition, the food available in smaller shops is often more expensive than in larger supermarkets, making it harder for people to access affordable food. The long distances required to access food, are a particular concern for disabled people as they often have to rely on the assistance of others to procure food on their behalf.
• Foodbank usage and demand has increased in some island locations.

These findings are also echoed by a report on the Right to Food specifically on Uist and Barra.^[2] This report also highlights that the cost of fresh produce in particular is higher in island shops compared to shops on the mainland, exasperating issues around access to an affordable and nutritious diet.

Scottish Government statistics also highlight the prevalence of overweight/obesity is higher in every island local authority when compared to Scotland as a whole. Fruit and vegetable consumption is significantly lower than the rest of Scotland in Shetland, Argyll and Bute and North Ayrshire and significantly higher than the rest of Scotland in Highland Council.^[3]