Balancing the scales: A better price for healthy eating

The government’s decision to impose a 20 per cent excise tax on high-salt snacks starting in June, as announced by minister in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs Ryan Straughn in his Budget presentation on Monday, is a clear signal that it is serious about addressing the country’s health crisis. With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease accounting for the vast majority of deaths in Barbados, efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles are both necessary and commendable.

This is especially so given that, as Straughn pointed out, two out of every three Barbadians fall into the categories of obese or overweight.

We would suggest, however, that there is also room to make healthier food options more affordable.

There is no doubt that fiscal policies play a role in shaping consumer behaviour. The previous tax on sugary beverages was implemented with the same intention – to discourage excessive consumption of unhealthy products. But taxation, by itself, is not the ultimate solution. The stark reality is that for many Barbadians—particularly those in lower-income brackets—healthier food choices remain financially out of reach. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are often significantly more expensive than processed and unhealthy alternatives, reinforcing reliance on processed alternatives. As a result, even with increased taxation on unhealthy foods, many consumers may struggle to make better choices if healthier options remain prohibitively expensive.

If the government is serious about fostering a culture of healthy eating, then it must go beyond discouraging bad habits – it must also actively promote good ones. Instead of focusing solely on punitive measures, there needs to be a concerted effort to make nutritious food more accessible and affordable. This could take the form of subsidies on fresh produce, tax breaks for local farmers, and initiatives to reduce the cost of healthy school meals. 

Additionally, investment in agriculture could not only lower the cost of fruits and vegetables but also boost food security and reduce reliance on expensive imports.

Barbados is not alone in navigating the challenge of poor nutrition. Several countries have implemented successful strategies that focus on reducing the cost of healthy foods rather than simply making unhealthy foods more expensive.

Denmark’s health system prioritises preventive care at the community level. The Novo Nordisk Foundation funds initiatives such as community cooking classes and nutrition education programmes, which have contributed to a decline in diabetes rates.

In Australia, schools are transitioning from traditional, less nutritious meals to healthier, whole-food menus. Partnerships with top restaurants and the establishment of student-run cafes have been instrumental in this shift. Research indicates that such programmes not only improve dietary habits but also enhance academic performance and classroom attention.

These are just two examples in the wealth of available research that demonstrates the direct link between the affordability of nutritious foods and improved public health outcomes.

Studies indicate that price reductions on fruits and vegetables significantly increase their consumption, often proving more efficacious in fostering dietary change than taxation on unhealthy alternatives. Moreover, long-term investment in subsidising nutritious foods yields substantial economic benefits, curbing the prevalence of diet-related NCDs and alleviating the financial strain on national healthcare systems.

Investing in comprehensive public education campaigns that stress the benefits of balanced diets and equip individuals with practical skills for preparing nutritious meals is also important. In this regard, Straughn’s announcement that the government will spend $1 million annually in public education over the next two years to support its healthier lifestyle push must be applauded.

Stakeholders no doubt agree that encouraging better nutrition requires a multi-pronged approach. While the taxation of unhealthy snacks may serve as a deterrent, it constitutes only one facet of the broader equation. If the goal is to truly transform the national diet, then affordability must be tackled from both ends—disincentivising poor choices while ensuring that nutritious alternatives are within financial reach for all.

Barbadians should not have to choose between their wallets and their well-being. As the government advances its health policy agenda, it must seize this moment to balance the scales, ensuring that nutritious eating is not a privilege reserved for a select few but an accessible and practical reality for the entire nation.