The cost of food is an important determinant of dietary
behaviour. When consumers make food choices based on
cost alone, food choices tend to be more energy dense and
nutrient poor(1). Poor diet quality can contribute to an
increased rate of overweight and obesity(2). According to
Australian Consumer Price Index data, in 2011, Australian
food costs increased by an average of 4?2%(3). One of the
most significant increases during this time was a 16% increase
in the price of vegetables(3). The affordability of healthy foods
has the potential to impact on food security, the ability of
families to obtain nutritious food on a regular and reliable
basis, particularly for people with low incomes(4,5).