Approximately 400 people from across the food system - including local government, sport and recreation organisations, the food industry and health sector - came together for Victoria’s first Food Forum in February.
The forum highlighted some great stories of leadership for healthy change in a range of settings including:
- sport and recreation centres, represented by YMCA Victoria and the Melbourne Sports Hub
- health services, represented by Western District Health Service, Alfred Health and the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, and
- parks – represented by Parks Victoria.
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) also demonstrated their leadership in this space, and highlighted health equity as a critical issue.
The agenda for the day was rounded out by a focus on the food industry, with both Food Innovation Australia and the Department of Economic Development, Transport and Resources sharing opportunities for innovation across the supply chain.
In Victoria we are fortunate to have the Healthy Choices guidelines which provide consistent advise and categorisation of food and drinks across multiple settings. These guidelines, together with the support of the Healthy Eating Advisory Service are making it easier for organisations to introduce healthy changes.
The panellists at the food forum inspired and challenged attendees with a call to action: What can we do together to create healthier change in everyday settings? Who do I need to partner with to succeed? What have I seen today that I can do tomorrow?
For more information go to the departments nutrition website.
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