You may have noticed changes in the selection available in Northern Health catering menus, cafes, and vending machines. In line with the Healthy Choices: policy directive and guidelines for Victorian public health services (the Policy directive)’, Northern Health is working to offer healthier food and drink choices to staff and visitors.

The Healthy Choices Policy directive is an initiative led by the Victorian Government, and supported by the Healthy Eating Advisory Service. The directive outlines a set of targets to ensure healthier foods and drinks are made available at public hospitals and health services. The policy helps to reinforce health services and hospitals as places that support the health and wellbeing of their staff and visitors.

From 30 September 2022, vending machines and in-house retail food outlets across Victorian health services, including Northern Health, will offer more healthy drink options, will not sell high-sugar drinks, and will limit the provision of artificially sweetened drinks. Following on from this, in 2023, our vending machines, catering menus, and cafes will also offer a range of healthier food choices, in line with the policy directive targets for food.

Lisa Cox, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, and Executive Sponsor for Healthy Choices at Northern Health, is working with key Northern Health staff to ensure healthier food and drinks are offered across all our vending machines, catering, and food retail outlets.

“Northern Health’s work to meet the policy directive targets will mean healthier food and drinks for staff and visitors, and will align with the organisation’s strategic priority for a healthier community,” she said.

Sandra Molinaro, Manager Support Services, said she was excited to see Northern Health offer healthier food and drink options.

“Northern Health is looking forward to offering delicious, healthier options,” she said.

Northern Health is proud to be working with food providers to promote healthier options for staff, visitors and patients. Next time you are at one of our Northern Health sites, make sure to check out the changes to the food and drinks options made available to you.

Earlier this year, Northern Health made the switch to Provender – a fresh food vending machine company – to provide healthier food and drink options in all the vending machines across the health service. The vending machines offer a range of muesli slices, natural nuts, protein bars, and low calorie, low sugar, and gluten free options.

Learn more about these changes, please click here.

Featured image: Lisa Cox, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, and Executive Sponsor for Healthy Choices at Northern Health, and Sandra Molinaro, Manager Support Services.