Urapunga Store’s sugar cut success

Distant inhabitants of Urapunga in the Northern Territory have lowered intake of sugary beverages by 43% in the previous 12 months, because of to a vary of sugar-reduction measures implemented at their regional grocery retail outlet.

Urapunga Retail outlet, operated by the Urapunga Aboriginal Corporation and serviced by Outback Merchants, has restricted the measurement of soft beverages sold, and carried out “Sugar-Cost-free Wednesdays” – a working day in which no total-sugar delicate drinks are readily available for order.

“We knew the community was consuming way too substantially sugar, so we arrived up with a system to begin altering that,” said Antonella Pascoe, board member of Urapunga Aboriginal Corporation. “As administrators of the shop, we felt like we could make a optimistic modify.”

In the to start with 6 months, the proportion of sugary drinks sold has fallen by 4.7% which equates to 1,921 litres, or twelve bathtubs considerably less of comprehensive-sugar delicate drink consumed in the local community.

“We know that the group is now ingesting less sugar,” suggests Ms Pascoe. “One of the finest things is the way it has built the group feel about what they are drinking, even on days when they can acquire sugary drinks.

Distant retailers deal with sugar use

Urapunga joins a increasing checklist of NT communities trying to minimize sugar intake by means of sturdy, neighborhood-led determination producing, these types of as Engawala, Santa Teresa and Ali Curung.

“We appreciate to see local community leaders getting action to enhance overall health outcomes and are always keen to support in applying the actions they decide on,” suggests outback Retailers Well being and Nutrition Manager Anna Murison.

Because 2012, the proportion of complete-sugar drinks has minimized by 34% across stores serviced by Outback Stores. In the very same period of time, the proportion of h2o bought has increased by 131% and that of sugar-absolutely free drinks has enhanced by 89%.

These nutritious outcomes are pushed by community retail outlet administrators wanting to tackle diet-relevant well being problems, in line with Outback Stores’ Balanced Foods Policy.

More healthy neighborhood and enterprise

Urapunga is located 600km south-east of Darwin, on the southern edge of Arnhem Land, and is household to around 100 people.

The Urapunga Aboriginal Company initially approached Outback Suppliers in 2019, when the shop was going through significant challenges owing to mismanagement and financial debt. Currently the keep is in a a great deal greater monetary standing, with new fittings and updates and a superior selection of wholesome food.

“The shop seems significantly improved,” claims James Woods, director of Urapunga Aboriginal Company. “There’s a lot a lot more food stuff on the cabinets, the products are truly worth purchasing and the costs are less costly as well.”