Greater amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables will be sold under a plan to increase the life expectancy of indigenous Australians. Under the initiative, 18 remote communities across the Northern Territory will get better access to healthy and more affordable food with a $50 million funding package made available through the Aboriginals Benefit Account.

The ABA Community Stores Infrastructure Project is providing new purpose-built or refurbished community stores and store manager accommodation to help ensure healthy and affordable food is stocked.  Some of the upgrades will include coolrooms and proper shelving and storage capacity.

This project is part of a new strategic partnership between the Australian government and the Aboriginals Benefit Account Advisory Committee."It is essential that community stores are equipped to provide a good range of fresh, reasonably priced food," Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said.

"Often the community store is the only source of food within the community. Poor or inadequate infrastructure may affect the store's operation and viability, impacting on the health of local residents. That's why we want to improve this infrastructure."