We are providing healthier foods and drinks at outlets. As a health provider, we have a responsibility to set a good example.
We are making the healthy choice an easy choice in food and drink outlets in our facilities such as:
- Cafes and cafeterias
- Vending machines and fridges
- Kiosks and coffee and snack carts
We encourage you to:
- Make water your drink of choice
- Enjoy a range of healthy food options
- Choose high sugar or high fat foods only ‘sometimes’ and in smaller portions
For more information about Healthy Choices, please contact mlhd-hp@health.nsw.gov.au.
Why Healthy Choices in Health Facilities?
Over half of adults and nearly one quarter of children are overweight or obese in NSW, increasing their risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and other disease.
‘Healthy Choices’ is one of many actions to address health and wellbeing in NSW. Other programs and initiatives include:
The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating shows what foods we should eat most.
Food and drink outlets will align more closely with the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating by providing:
- Wider availability of ‘every day’, healthy foods and drinks
- Better quality food and drink
- Reduced portion sizes
- Marketing and promotion of everyday, healthy foods.
Where do Healthy Choices apply?
Healthy Choices only applies to food and drinks sold in health facilities. It does not apply to food served to in-patients or brought from home.
Help for vendors
Point of sale consumer materials
We have a range of point of sale consumer materials that we encourage you to use at your outlet. These encourage healthy food choices and provide contact details for consumers to:
- ask questions,
- make suggestions,
- make comments or complaints.
Healthy Food Finder
The Healthy Food Finder www.foodfinder.health.nsw.gov.au/ helps identify the classification of foods or drinks (Everyday or Occasional) and whether these meet criteria. This database will be continually updated and should you not find the product you need, an item request can be submitted. We encourage you to consult this as you make changes to your menu or product offering.
Healthy Food Information Service
The Healthy Food Information Service can be contacted on 1800 930 966 or healthyfood@health.nsw.gov.au. The service is available during business hours and can provide support regarding Healthy Food Finder or other questions you may have about ‘Healthy Choices’.
Further information
For more information about Healthy Choices, please contact mlhd-hp@health.nsw.gov.au or download the Toolkit.