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

1. Ensure the retention and future allocation of viable agricultural land2. Encourage edible plantings in public gardens and reserves, and promote community access5. Develop planning processes that ensure maximum community access, including public transport to retail food suppliers6. incorporate food gardens and communal kitchens into any development and/or refurbishment of community facilities and Council offices7. encourage community-based food production and distribution initiatives, eg community gardens, school and home-based farmers markets, food swaps.8. Determine the viability of a mobile food van to deliver low-cost fresh food to isolated residents10. Promote access to Emergency Food Relief services via integrated networks, databases and information services11. 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 meals12. 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 13. 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

1. Support farmers to continue to grow food on the MP and investigate economically sustainable ways of distributing the food produced locally2. Encourage cafes, restaurants, take away outlets to provide healthy affordable food through award schemes3. Support the establishment of low-cost community cafes in vulnerable areas4. Foster business and community partnerships and funding options to promote healthy food access5. Promote excess food recovery and redistribution strategies for local food systems in partnership with community agencies

New opportunities – Social

1. Allocate funding for projects and support in planning initiatives in all Council business units to provide opportunities for community responses and activities2. 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 3. Conduct forums and distribute information about food access support programs and opportunities4. Incorporate food security awareness and programs for infants and children into Municipal Early Years Plan.5. Support residents to adopt appropriate healthy eating practices through health promotion activities6. Support community celebrations and events which promote the cultural and social significance of food7. 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 provided8. Develop a community gardens food policy and guidelines to inform and support community initiated food growing initiatives

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Best Bites OverviewAssess and promote food businesses that use safe, healthy, and sustainable practicesAvailable 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 WorksFood Safety- compulsory• 90% or more food safety score• Allergen information for customers

All other areas -voluntary1. Healthy Eating2.Tobacco and alcohol3. Waste and recycling4. Energy and water efficiency5. Access for All

Businesses can apply for any area/sProactive, on-going assessments by ShireGuide printed annually, updated on-line

Launch of the Best Bites Application Kit – September 2011

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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 allMPSC2. Healthy – Healthy eating options, allergen

awareness, smoke free outdoor diningHeart Foundation, Peninsula Health3. Sustainable – Waste and recycling, energy/water

efficiencyWestern 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 step2. All food businesses then qualify for the relevant Best Bites areas3. Centre managers and traders groups can then promote all food businesses using Best Bites4. 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 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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