But problems remain and further action is required. The Group identified four main, but interlinking, barriers to progress. The reality is that the range of foodstuffs available in the disadvantaged areas is limited, often lacking in freshness and quality, and sometimes expensive. People in these areas are less likely to have their own transport, thus impeding ready access to supermarkets and stores in other localities stocking quality products at competitive prices. Conversely, economic considerations militate against major retailers locating their stores in these areas.
Action is necessary to bring the facilities of the major stores within easy reach.
The Group understands that at least one of the major retailers is prepared to explore the possibility of introducing free or low cost transport to the areas in which their stores are currently located. The Group looks forward, with interest, to the outcome of such initiatives. 5.9 Food co-operatives have a continuing role. But their potential is underdeveloped because of difficulties in purchasing food at wholesale prices, and the lack of central purchasing and distribution systems. It may be possible, however, for the central purchasing mechanisms and the distribution channels used by the major stores to be deployed to deliver food to co-operatives, thus saving costs through bulk buying.