Kilmore District Hospital staff will soon have more access to healthier food options, thanks to the latest efforts aligned with the Victorian Government’s Healthy Choices Policy Directive for Public Health Services.

The policy directive aims to improve the availability of healthy food and drink choices at public hospitals and health services, supporting the health and wellbeing of staff and visitors. Northern Health has embraced these guidelines to ensure a greater number of healthy food and drink choices are available across its facilities.

In recent audits, food options available for staff to purchase at Kilmore District Hospital were analysed in depth using ‘FoodChecker’ software, which was developed by Nutrition Australia with support from the Victorian Government to assess how various public services align with the Healthy Choices Policy Directive.

From September 2024, all vending machines and in-house food retail outlets at Kilmore District Hospital will offer at least 50 per cent green food options (those deemed the healthiest) and no more than 20 per cent red food options (foods that should be limited).

The catering provided at staff meetings and events across other Northern Health locations will also offer at least 50 per cent green foods and drinks and no red foods and drinks. These changes ensure that healthier choices are more accessible, encouraging better eating habits among staff and patients.

The implementation has been overseen by key Northern Health staff, including Lisa Cox, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, and Executive Sponsor for Healthy Choices at Northern Health.

“It’s good to see how we have integrated the Healthy Choices Policy directives to be able to unite as one health service and engage Kilmore District Hospital, so that we are all working towards healthy outcomes for not only our patients but for our staff.”

Working in partnership with food providers such as Henry’s Café and the hospital’s in-house catering services, Northern Health is dedicated to enhancing the nutritional quality of food available to staff. This collaboration ensures that vending machines and meal options for catering are stocked with healthier choices, providing convenient and nutritious options throughout the day.

These efforts reflect Northern Health’s ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment for health and wellbeing, making the healthy choice the easy one.