This is compared to 22% of the average family income.

In the most extensive survey of its kind in Australia, The Healthy Food Basket Survey also found that remote areas of NSW were hardest hit in terms of affordability, quality and varieties available of fruit and vegetables.

“A healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight is proven to be one of the biggest lifestyle choices in preventing cancer,” Ruth Fagan, Regional Manager of the Cancer Council’s Western Region office.

“Unfortunately if you are on a low income and live in a remote area of NSW, then it is much harder to have a healthy diet. We urge the Government to regularly monitor the price of food, as it does with other commodities like petrol, to ensure all families can afford to a healthy basket of food,” added Ms Fagan

The cost of a healthy food basket for a family of six over two weeks in Western region ranged from $385.25 in Forbes to $478.21 in Rylstone.

However the study found an individual can meet their daily dietary recommendations of two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables for as little as $2.58 per day. Cost effective fruits and vegetables to look out for are bananas, oranges, beans, carrots, sweet potato, broccoli and cauliflower. People should also choose fruit and vegetables that are in season to get the best value for money.

The Cancer Council NSW provides advice on the most cost effective way to consume the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables.

People can contact the Cancer Council Helpline (13 11 20) for advice or check the website (www.cancercouncil.com.au).