In the remote town of Maningrida, two local stores service the community, but residents face the daunting reality of soaring grocery prices.
The cost of everyday essentials like milk, sugar, toilet paper, and baby formula has more than doubled compared to major cities, a situation driven largely by the challenges of supply chain issues.
With most food being delivered via barge or road, prices for basic goods remain sky-high, and the burden on families is felt daily.
Many community members are often stunned at the checkout when they see how much their grocery bills add up.
"Some people have to put groceries back on the shelves or leave it in the trolley," one local resident told NITV.
One of the most pressing issues facing Maningrida and other remote communities is food security.
With limited access to essential goods, residents have become reliant on a single barge service, leaving them vulnerable to delays and shortages.
The situation has sparked growing calls for greater government support to address these challenges, especially with the upcoming federal election where cost of living will undoubtedly be a key concern for voters.
In an attempt to respond to the concerns, Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy has announced a new initiative aimed at improving food security in remote communities across the country.
"We know that in closing the gap, we have to improve the health and well-being of First Nations people across Australia, and this food strategy will go a long way to doing that," said the Minister.
The initiative is part of a 10-year national strategy that aims to upskill 120 people to create a dedicated nutrition workforce, alongside governance training and support.
Maningrida is one of 21 remote communities currently involved in consultations on how food security can be improved, with the strategy set to be rolled out to 76 communities by July 1.
As remote communities like Maningrida continue to face escalating costs and food security challenges, many hope that the federal government's new approach will bring much-needed relief.
