Families living in remote towns in Western Australia's north will now have access to affordable, nutritious food at local supermarkets through a new community-led initiative.

The Gudwan nutrition program is being introduced through Aboriginal-owned business group Leedal, which is subsidising the cost of selected healthy foods at its IGA in the remote Kimberley town of Fitzroy Crossing.

It will also be rolled out Wednesday at Sampey Mini-Mart in Derby, a remote town 260 kilometres west of Fitzroy Crossing.

Rather than relying on external funding, Leedal is underwriting the program through its own revenue—a community-controlled model that contrasts with government-subsidised store networks across Australia's top end.

Leedal managing director and Nyikina man Wayne Bergmann said the initiative was motivated by a desire to ensure local families had access to adequate nutrition amid mounting cost-of-living pressures.

"We see young families and young girls having babies. We want to provide support so they get good nutrition. That way babies get good nutrition and the best start in life," Mr Bergmann told National Indigenous Times.

"It's especially important during financial pressure. Increasing fuel prices, driven by global conflict, will have a ripple effect. People may become more desperate to survive."

Discounted items include vegetables, wholemeal grains and a wide range of proteins. Mr Bergmann said these were chosen to boost iron, an essential mineral for growth.

"We wanted to make sure we had food with iron. We know how iron is absorbed in the body. It helps with brain and organ development. As a result, we have healthier kids," Mr Bergmann said.

Mr Bergmann's emphasis is backed by research, with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners noting that iron deficiency in infancy has been linked to impaired growth and development.

Sharing nutritious food has long been central to life in the Fitzroy Valley for Leedal Chairman and Bunuba man Patrick Green.

In his twenties, Mr Green shared iron-rich food with his community by hunting killa—bush cattle —and preparing and eating them together. Now, he says Gudwan offers a bigger opportunity.

"When I had my own family, my children brought other children home. We would feed them, sharing what little we had," Mr Green told National Indigenous Times.

"But now we're in a position to grow something that will benefit many. That drives us to do better for our community."

Note: Wayne Bergmann is a co-owner of National Indigenous Times.