Survival tucker: improved diet and health indicators in an Aboriginal community

Abstract

Abstract: The poor nutritional status of Aboriginal Australians is a serious and complex public health concern. We describe an unusually successful health and nutrition project initiated by the people of Minjilang, which was developed, implemented and evaluated with the community. Apparent community dietary intake, assessed by the ‘store‐turnover’ method, and biochemical, anthropometric and haematological indicators of health and nutritional status were measured before intervention and at three‐monthly intervals during the intervention year. Following intervention, there was a significant decrease in dietary intake of sugar and saturated fat, an increase in micronutrient density, correspondi..