Does the store-turnover method still provide a useful guide to food intakes in Aboriginal communities?
OBJECTIVE
To consider the application of the store-turnover method as a guide to assess food intake in remote Aboriginal communities.


METHODS
Food sources in a remote Aboriginal island community were documented. The contribution of quantifiable food sources to total community-level fresh fruit and vegetable availability was determined.


RESULTS
The store remains the single largest supplier of fruit and vegetables overall (54%), however its contribution varies depending on the subpopulation of interest. A store-turnover alone may significantly underestimate community-level dietary intake, depending on the contribution of other food sources.


CONCLUSIONS
Changes in the food supply in remote communities, coupled with methodological complexities inherent in the store-turnover method, challenge its application in a contemporary context.


CONCLUSIONS
A simplified version of the store-turnover method is needed that could be widely applied by community people and health practitioners seeking to initiate and monitor interventions to improve diet quality.
Brimblecombe
Julie
J
Menzies School of Health Research, Northern Territory. julie.brimblecombe@menzies.edu.au
Mackerras
Dorothy
D
Clifford
Pennie
P
O'Dea
Kerin
K
D004435:Eating / Q000208:ethnology*; D019649:Food Industry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005523:Food Supply; D005638:Fruit / Q000600:supply & distribution; D006801:Humans; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D015876:Northern Territory; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D014675:Vegetables / Q000600:supply & distribution