East Gippsland families are being encouraged to add more Australian-grown vegetables to their diets, with new figures showing the move could save households hundreds of dollars a year while improving overall health amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
As inflation continues to impact household budgets, industry body AUSVEG says vegetables remain one of the most affordable and nutritious food options available, with prices holding steady despite rising costs across much of the economy.
The latest ABS data shows vegetable prices fell by 0.2 per cent over the 12 months to March, while overall inflation rose by 4.6 per cent and snack and confectionery prices increased by 5.7 per cent.
The findings are particularly relevant for East Gippsland, where many families continue to feel the effects of rising living costs, fuel prices and interest rate pressures.
According to the 2026 Healthylife Living Healthy Report, vegetables cost an average of 74 cents per serve, compared to 90 cents for processed or discretionary foods. Based on those figures, a family of four could save close to $1200 a year by eating the recommended five serves of vegetables each day and cutting back on unhealthy snacks.
AUSVEG analysis of current retail pricing found carrots are widely available for less than $2.50 per kilogram, broccoli under $5.80/kg, pumpkin under $3.50/kg and potatoes under $5/kg, making seasonal produce an affordable option for local shoppers.
The organisation says shopping locally and buying in-season produce can help East Gippsland residents access fresher and more cost-effective vegetables while also supporting Australian growers.
Despite the affordability, Australians are eating an average of just 1.8 serves of vegetables a day, with only 6.5 per cent of adults meeting the recommended daily intake.
AUSVEG chief executive officer Michael Coote said increasing vegetable consumption was a practical way families could ease financial pressure while supporting local agriculture.
“Like Australian vegetable growers, Aussie families are under sustained financial pressure and need relief, and Australian-grown vegetables remain one of the most affordable and healthiest food options available,” Mr Coote said.
“In the current cost-of-living crisis, value is key, and the numbers show vegetables continue to represent great value.”
Mr Coote said Australian growers were also facing significant production pressures linked to rising fuel and farm input costs.
“Australia’s vegetable growers supply 10,000 tonnes of fresh produce into the domestic market each day, representing 98 per cent of the fresh vegetables consumed by Australians, so the sector is critical to our food security,” he said.
Consumers are also being encouraged to check country-of-origin labelling when buying frozen or canned vegetables, as many processed products are increasingly imported.
The industry-backed Plus One Serve initiative is aiming to encourage every Australian to eat one additional serve of vegetables each day by 2030.
Managing director Justine Coates said improving perceptions around the value of vegetables remained one of the biggest challenges.
“The fact is, and the data shows, vegetables are among the best-value and healthiest foods available,” Ms Coates said.
“With a serve of vegetables amounting to half a cup or a healthy handful, eating one more serve of vegetables each day is a tangible, achievable goal.”
AUSVEG is continuing to call for greater federal support for national campaigns aimed at improving vegetable consumption, warning that poor diets are contributing to long-term health concerns across Australia.
