Purchasing sugar-sweetened beverages in Island Lake Anisininew First Nations

Bibliographic Data

ID24229753
AuthorsNatalie D Riediger (0000-0002-8736-9446, University of Manitoba), Kelsey Mann (University of Manitoba), Byron Beardy (Four Arrows Regional Health Authority), Hannah Margolese (University of Manitoba), Larry Wood (Four Arrows Regional Health Authority), Myra Tait (independent scholar), Anne Waugh (0000-0002-2959-4776, University of Manitoba), Mary Jane Harper (Four Arrows Regional Health Authority), Céleste Thériault (National Indigenous Diabetes Association), Andrea Bombak (University of New Brunswick)
Year2026
Volume85
Issue1
Pages2614128-2614128
Publication date2026-12-31
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Circumpolar Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1239-9736 • E-ISSN: 2242-3982
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/22423982.2026.2614128
PMID41543202
OpenAlexW7124434791
LanguageEN
References cited26

Health organizations support sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) policies without examination of the purchasing contexts in northern, remote First Nations. Therefore, we sought to explore experiences and practices purchasing SSB in Island Lake Anisininew First Nations. We utilized a community-based participatory design, partnered with Four Arrows Regional Health Authority. We completed semi-structured, qualitative interviews with adult residents from all four communities of Island Lake Anisininew Nations. Thirty-nine interviews were completed, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. We identified three themes: sensitivity to SSB pricing and strategic shopping, spatial and economic convenience of SSB, and SSB purchasing as a social norm. Many participants identified barriers regarding food and beverage procurement, living in remote communities. Thus, price and convenience were major determinants when purchasing SSB. Participants described various economizing strategies, selecting SSB based on location pricing, type of SSB, and amount purchased. Relatedly, purchasing SSB at community members’ homes, “home stores”, was described as both the most affordable and convenient option. SSB are perceived as simultaneously expensive and affordable in Island Lake Anisininew First Nations due to high food prices. Community members have sought to overcome challenges of SSB procurement with “home stores”, as both an economic opportunity and food security strategy in difficult circumstances.

Food prices · Food security · Indigenous health policy · remote Indigenous communities · Social norms · sugar-sweetened beverages · Global Public Health Policies and Epidemiology · Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights · Nutrition, Health and Food Behavior

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Open DOIOpen Access