Supermarket prices are driving Australian consumers to a less nutritious diet, according to a report from the National Farmer's Federation (NFF).
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The concerns are confirmed by the most recent ABS National Health Survey released in December of 2023.
The survey shows that only roughly over four per cent of Australians met the recommended daily intake for both fruit and vegetables.
At the Cowra Neighbourhood Centre Fran Stead and her team have a close eye on the patterns showing which needs the community might be struggling to meet.
The centre also receives unsold supermarket quality food that would otherwise go to waste.
The food is then provided to those in need in the Cowra community.
"We previously would be getting a lot of bread and cakes - very little fruit and veg," she said.
Ms Stead said this trend had changed in recent months.
"I think they're [now] going for cheaper products they can get to fill up a trolley as opposed to getting that nutrition."
While in Cowra food left on the shelf may make its way to the Neighbourhood Centre, the NFF believes consumers are tightening budgets at the cost of their health.
The NFF had called on the Federal Government to improve its oversight of supermarket pricing, with Horticulture Council Chair Jolyon Burnett saying "Without an intervention, the burden of lifestyle disease on our health system is only going to grow."
Locally the neighborhood centre urges local producers and residents to come forward if they have an oversupply or a need.
"If you've got too much of one thing, pay it forward, bring it in," Ms Stead said.
"You're more than welcome to take something else with you.
"It's around how we help one another," Ms Stead said.
