Food security and permanent residents of caravan parks

Lack of food security is a recognised issue at global, national, state and local community levels. In 1995, the Australian National Nutrition Survey was conducted and concluded that 5% of all persons aged 16 years and over had experienced lack of food security during the previous 12 months. The City of Greater Dandenong was identified as a municipality having higher risk markers for lack of food security than other Melbourne metropolitan areas. These markers include low income, high unemployment and low education levels. This study examines food security within a sub-group of this population, consisting of permanent residents of four caravan parks in the municipality. The goals of this study were to determine the food security status of this population and to identify sustainable strategies for Greater Dandenong City Council and local service providers to consider implementing in order to address issues impacting on this group. The study included short interviews of key informants in the lead agency to determine their understanding of factors that contribute to food security and identify possible strategies to address these issues. Analysis of these data identified key themes from the interviews. Results concluded that factors such as financial status, disability, transport, accommodation, education, and social and cultural factors contributed to lack of food security within the City of Greater Dandenong, in particular for permanent residents of caravan parks. A 26-question survey of permanent residents of caravan parks was also conducted to assess food security and gather basic demographic data. Results demonstrated that 15% of the study population experienced instances of food insecurity. Key contributing factors identified were social isolation, financial status, disability, and concern for personal safety. A number of recommendations are made to improve food security for the study population.