Abstract
It has been suggested that several factors such as geographical economical and occupational conditions as well as food distribution system are largely influencing on the structure of food intake. However very few investigators have conducted the survey on the relation between food distribution and regional food intake. This is mainly because the method of food distribution survey has not yet been specified definitely. The authors were having story interest in this relationship, especially in the food distribution system of the small isolated island where the food consumption might be biased by the limitation of food transportaiton. The authors had a chance to do a food distribution and dietary survey at Yonaguni Island. Okinawa in Sentember 1973 and 1974. Three hamlets (Sonai, Kubura and Higawa) were surveyed. The authors checked up all the food items sold at each food shop situated within each hamlets. And we obtained several interesting results as followings. At Kubura hamlet where fishery was the most prevailing occupation, the number of fishery food items were far exceeding than the other 2 hamlets. On the contrary, the food distribution of Higawa was the worst among the 3 hamlets where agriculture was the prevailing industry. There were only 2 food shops located in Higawa and moreover, the households of Higawa could not buy meats because these items were not distributed there. At Sonai where main official facilities were located and the number of food shops were far exceeding than the other 2 hamlets, the number of total food items and animal food items were exceeding than Kubura and Higawa. Thus the location of food shop as well as the difference of the prevailing industries of each hamlet were considered to largely influence on the dietary intake of the hamlets. Milk was not consumed in any households of Yonaguni Island because milk was not distributed within the island nor transported from outside of the island.
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