Northern Health is strengthening its commitment to creating healthier food environments by updating its Healthy Choices: Food & Beverage Options Procedure, further aligning with the Victorian Government’s Healthy Choices Policy.

The Healthy Choices Policy aims to make nutritious food and drink options more accessible across public health and aged care services, helping staff, patients, residents and visitors make healthier choices every day.

The policy uses a simple traffic light system to classify food and beverages:

• Green – the healthiest choices, encouraged most often
• Amber – suitable to enjoy in moderation
• Red – should be limited

To meet the policy requirements, at least 50 per cent of foods available in vending machines and staff purchasing menus must be classified as green, while red items must make up less than 20 per cent. Catering menus are also required to offer a majority of green options, and the promotion of red food and drink choices is discouraged.

An annual audit is undertaken across all Northern Health sites, including Craigieburn Health Service, Bundoora Centre, Broadmeadows Hospital, Merri-bek Centre and Kilmore District Hospital, to monitor compliance with the policy.

As part of the updated procedure, all new contracts for commercially managed retail food outlets will now be required to align with the Healthy Choices Policy. This strengthens Northern Health’s commitment to providing a consistent, supportive and health-promoting food environment across the organisation.

Rachael Evans, Associate Director of Dietetics, said the updated procedure reinforces Northern Health’s role as a leader in promoting healthier lifestyles.

“As a healthcare organisation with a strong presence in our community, Northern Health has an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff, patients, residents and visitors. Updating the Healthy Choices Procedure to require new contracts for commercially managed retail food outlets to align with the Victorian Healthy Choices Policy helps ensure a consistent approach to providing healthier food and drink options across our sites. This change supports the creation of a positive, health-promoting food environment for everyone who visits, works in or receives care from Northern Health.”

The organisation’s commitment is already being reflected in its catering services. Jaecy Wong, ISS Senior Food Service Manager and Dietitian, has successfully led the implementation of a Healthy Choices-compliant catering menu across Northern Health.

“Having a Healthy Choices-compliant catering menu reflects the strong partnership between ISS and Northern Health and our shared commitment to promoting healthier food environments. By aligning our catering offerings with the Victorian Healthy Choices guidelines, we are making it easier for staff to choose nutritious options without compromising on quality, variety or enjoyment.”

By strengthening its Healthy Choices Procedure, Northern Health is making healthy choices easier for everyone and continuing to build a healthier future for the communities it serves.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Lara Buccella (Student Dietitian – La Trobe University), Isabella Kapiniaris (Student Dietitian – La Trobe University), Prudence Hart (Student Dietitian – La Trobe University), Rachael Evans (Associate Director Allied Health – Dietetics) and Chantal Gerges (Clinical Dietitian).