Cassandra Irvin says the number of fast-food joints in the Riverina is a “concern” for parents. Photos: Oliver Jacques.
Despite its small population, Wagga will have 18 fast-food outlets when Oporto opens in June.
Griffith is fast catching up, with burger, pizza and chicken franchises now outnumbering Italian family restaurants. The town will also see its first Oporto in July, after a second McDonald’s opened its doors last year.
So how much is this a problem for parents in a country where 26 per cent of children are classed as overweight?
We spoke to nutritionist and former Griffith Businesswoman of the Year Cassandra Irvin to gain her perspective and provide advice for government and parents.
Are you concerned about the high and growing number of fast-food outlets in the Riverina?
Yes, I am. I think it’s something a lot of us have noticed and quietly worry about – especially as parents. The sheer accessibility of fast food makes it far too easy to lean on as a regular go-to. And while convenience does play a role in busy lives, especially for working families, the nutritional cost is high when these types of foods become the norm rather than the exception.
Gone are the days when, as kids, we’d come home from school and make a cheese sandwich or toast with Vegemite from what was already in the cupboard. That simple, old-school way of eating seems to be disappearing. Kids are now reaching for Uber Eats or hitting a drive-through on their way home. We’re seeing an increasing reliance on fast, packaged, or pre-made meals – and it’s not just affecting physical health, it’s shaping habits and expectations around food for life.
Do you have any general advice on how often people can or should eat fast food like McDonald’s and KFC and the impact it has on them?
Fast food in moderation is one thing – but for many, it’s no longer occasional. When it becomes a few times a week or a staple in the diet, that’s where we see the compounding impacts. Regular fast-food intake is linked with weight gain, blood sugar instability, sluggish digestion, poor energy, and of course, long-term risks like diabetes, heart disease and mental health concerns.
A second Griffith McDonald’s attracted mixed views last year.
A general rule of thumb? If you’re eating it more than once a week, it’s probably worth checking in on what habits are leading to that – is it time, stress, lack of food at home, or something else? The goal isn’t to be perfect. It’s to be mindful. If you can keep fast food as a sometimes thing – and build simple, nourishing alternatives into the week – your body (and your kids’ bodies) will thank you.
Do you think it’s something the government should be regulating in a way it does other retail outlets that sell products with negative impacts (e.g. Dan Murphy’s being rejected from Griffith due to high DV rates)?
It’s definitely worth a conversation. I don’t believe regulation is the only answer, but when you consider the public health burden fast food contributes to – just like alcohol or tobacco – there’s a case for stronger boundaries. This could look like tighter zoning rules, education campaigns, or incentivising healthier options to set up shop in town. We need more spaces that make it easier to choose health. If all we’re surrounded by is drive-throughs, then it’s no wonder we feel stuck.
What advice do you have for parents whose kids can so easily go to multiple drive-throughs on their way to work/school and get junk food?
This is a tough one because I get it – we’re busy (and I have teenagers). Between work, school, sport and life, it’s no surprise we’re all tired. But here’s the thing – if we don’t model simple, balanced eating at home, our kids will keep looking for what’s fast and familiar. My advice? Start with what’s realistic. A stocked fridge with grab-and-go snacks, pre-made wraps, or even getting your kids involved in prepping one meal a week. It doesn’t have to be fancy – it just has to be doable.
Talk to your kids about what they’re eating and how it makes them feel. Not in a shamey way – but from a place of curiosity and connection. And remember, even small changes build up over time. One less drive-through, one more home meal – it all counts.
