Freight and chronic disease in remote Indigenous communities : the story of an apple from tree to table

This presentation discusses the influence of healthy nutritious food in reducing health problems, and explores the relationship between freight and health in remote Indigenous communities. It highlights how inextricably linked the two components are, and that freight is a critical element that cannot be ignored. The paper outlines the dependence of remote communities on freight for food supply, and describes key obstacles to overcome in accessing healthy nutritious food. It traces the journey of food from the producer to delivery in remote areas. When the food transport supply chain fails it brings undone other efforts to improve Indigenous health. The paper shows how cumulative mistakes in the supply chain can be compounded and how a better understanding and interest in cold chain and supply chain management can overcome this.