Transcript Food insecurity on the Mornington Peninsula (PowerPoint

Food insecurity on the Mornington Peninsula…
The Victorian Population Health Survey Report 2008 states;
• 8.7% of residents in the Mornington Peninsula experience
food insecurity as opposed to a state average of 5.6%.
• The percentage of people on the Mornington Peninsula
whose dietary intake does not meet the fruit and
vegetable dietary guidelines is 48.6%, and 46.7% are
overweight or obese.
So what are we doing???
New opportunities – Environmental: Physical and Structural
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Ensure the retention and future allocation of viable agricultural land
Encourage edible plantings in public gardens and reserves, and promote community access
Develop planning processes that ensure maximum community access, including public transport to retail food suppliers
incorporate food gardens and communal kitchens into any development and/or refurbishment of community facilities and Council offices
encourage community-based food production and distribution initiatives, eg community gardens, school and home-based farmers
markets, food swaps.
Determine the viability of a mobile food van to deliver low-cost fresh food to isolated residents
Promote access to Emergency Food Relief services via integrated networks, databases and information services
Develop policies and processes which promote and support food security in social housing or supported accommodation developments –
eg inclusion of kitchens/gardens/areas to share meals
Investigate the feasibility and appropriateness of incorporating more fresh and local food into the meals provided to HACC clients in the
Shire’s Delivered Meals program
Promote urban design which encourages innovative local food production i.e. balcony gardens, communal garden areas and edible plants
in public reserves or nature strips gardens
New opportunities – Economic
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Support farmers to continue to grow food on the MP and investigate economically sustainable ways of distributing the food produced
locally
Encourage cafes, restaurants, take away outlets to provide healthy affordable food through award schemes
Support the establishment of low-cost community cafes in vulnerable areas
Foster business and community partnerships and funding options to promote healthy food access
Promote excess food recovery and redistribution strategies for local food systems in partnership with community agencies
New opportunities – Social
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Allocate funding for projects and support in planning initiatives in all Council business units to provide opportunities for community
responses and activities
Review, update and integrate Council policies and procedures to include processes for identifying the impact on food access of any Shire
decision, service or activity
Conduct forums and distribute information about food access support programs and opportunities
Incorporate food security awareness and programs for infants and children into Municipal Early Years Plan.
Support residents to adopt appropriate healthy eating practices through health promotion activities
Support community celebrations and events which promote the cultural and social significance of food
Provide information and support in regard to food safety, training and the process of complying with statutory requirements for
community events and private functions in Council facilities where food is provided
Develop a community gardens food policy and guidelines to inform and support community initiated food growing initiatives
Best Bites Overview
Assess and promote food businesses that
use safe, healthy, and sustainable practices
Available free to all food businesses
Innovative programs used in Best Bites
such as on-line guide, free training
programs, promotional materials, CD ROM
and web site
Focus on economic development and
sustainability
Regional program through the Western
Port Biosphere Reserve
New approach to Environmental Health
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Why Best Bites
• Recommended in the
Shire’s Food Safety Policy
• Consistent with the Shire’s
Sustainability Principles
• Linked to Food Act
amendments
• Informed consumer
choices
• Improve food safety
standards
• Assist food businesses
• Increased sustainability
• Healthier dining options
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How It Works
Food Safety- compulsory
• 90% or more food safety score
• Allergen information for customers
All other areas -voluntary
1. Healthy Eating
2.Tobacco and alcohol
3. Waste and recycling
4. Energy and water efficiency
5. Access for All
Launch of the Best Bites Application Kit –
September 2011
Businesses can apply for any area/s
Proactive, on-going assessments by Shire
Guide printed annually, updated on-line
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3 Pillars – Safe, Healthy, Sustainable
The use of external organisations to support the
healthy and sustainable pillars is crucial
1. Safe – Food safety, safe liquor service, access for all
MPSC
2. Healthy – Healthy eating options, allergen
awareness, smoke free outdoor dining
Heart Foundation, Peninsula Health
3. Sustainable – Waste and recycling, energy/water
efficiency
Western Port Biosphere Reserve
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Healthy Eating
• Assessed against Heart
Foundation catering guidelines
• Supported by Heart Foundation
and Peninsula Health, approved
by Monash University
• Focus on reducing fats, sugar
and salt
• Free training for businesses
provided by Peninsula Health
• Assistance from student
dieticians from Monash and
Latrobe Universities
• Assessments completed at
Bentons Square Shopping Centre,
on-going at school canteens
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Waste & Recycling
• Assisted by Peninsula
Zero Waste
•Audits of shopping
centres
• Businesses limited by
tenant/lease arrangements
• Focus on food re-use and
donation e.g Second Bite
• Food miles assessed –
encourage local produce
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Putting Best Bites into practice
•Assessments at shopping centres,
townships and through traders
groups:
1. Food safety rating is the first step
2. All food businesses then qualify
for the relevant Best Bites areas
3. Centre managers and traders
groups can then promote all food
businesses using Best Bites
4. Increased consumer awareness
for the businesses and Best Bites
• Commenced at all local shopping
centres and school canteens
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Regional Focus
•The Best Bites Program has been
establish as a model, regional
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program
• It can be applied at member
Councils of the Western Port
Biosphere Reserve
• it has been proposed to these
Councils by Western Port
Biosphere Reserve
• Best Bites resources are available
to all local Councils
• Best Bites at a regional level will
increase consumer awareness and
impact of the program
• Business groups and shopping
centre owners that cross
municipal boundaries are being
approached to join Best Bites
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