Welcome to the Australian Local Food System Policy Database. This is a collection of policies from New South Wales (NSW) and Victorian local governments that relate to healthy, sustainable, and equitable food systems.
For further information about using the database and how it was created see How to use the database. You can search the database by using the fields below. Domain refers to eight broad categories under which various topics are situated. The domains and topics are based on a framework of recommendations for local government action on creating a healthy, sustainable, and equitable food system (also located on the ‘How to use the database’ page linked above).
To cite the database: Reeve B, Carrad A, Rose N, Charlton K & Aguirre-Bielschowsky I (2021) Australian Local Food System Policy Database. Available at: https://law-food-systems.sydney.edu.au/policy-database (access date).
Suggested search terms
Hold Ctrl to select multiple terms. Using ‘any words’ functions as an “OR” search. Using ‘all words’ functions as and “AND” search.
Search Criteria:
| Document title | Relevant text in the policy | Domain | Topic | State | Local Government name | Council type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Use a worm farm or composting bin to reduce food waste in the service. Children will be encouraged to place food scraps into separate containers for use in the worm farm or composting bin. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | 20.8 Emergency food If the service experiences an emergency such as loss of power or evacuation, emergency plans to ensure food is available to children are enacted Educators are to contact another City of Port Phillip Children’s Service or the Meals On Wheels service The service also has a supply of food that does not require cooking that can be offered to children | Sustainability and Environment | Food supply and food system resilience | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Use a worm farm or composting bin to reduce food waste in the service. Children will be encouraged to place food scraps into separate containers for use in the worm farm or composting bin. | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | 20.4 Food safety and training The service participated in the Achievement Program and is participating in benchmarks to determine outcomes for this program: The menu review process by Healthy Eating Advisory Service will occur every 2 years or when significant changes are made. A variety of training and collaboration with the Achievement Program to reach required benchmarks of the program. Nominating a qualified Food Safety Supervisor Creating and implementing a Food Safety Program Food Handling Training provided to educators and updated regularly to ensure current best practice information around nutrition Food handling information provided to families Copies of training are displayed or in educators files. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Encourage children to wash their hands before and after handling food or eating. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Information on nutrition, food handling and storage will be displayed at the service and provided to parents | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Promptly clean up any spilt or dropped food or drink in or outdoors and encourage children to assist. Handle, prepare and store all food hygienically, in line with Food Safety Program. Food will be stored and served at safe temperatures. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Warming by bath method by standing the bottle in hot water rather than in the microwave Shaking and checking the temperature of milk before feeding Offering only cooled boiled water when extra fluid is required | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Storing breast milk in the refrigerator for no more than 48hrs or in the freezer for no longer than 3 months Labelling breast milk with the child’s name and date expressed before storing Warming breast milk just prior to feeding Warming only the amount needed | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | 20.10 Introduction of solid foods When introducing solid foods, it is important the progression to different textured foods is made according to the infant’s stage of development The introduction of solid foods occurs through a process of consultation with families, the maternal and child health nurse and educators As some foods may provoke an allergic reaction in some children, new foods are introduced one at the time at home and feedback given to educators as to their child’s reactions. Then we will give the children the approved food. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | 20.6 Healthy food provided by the service The service ensures children are offered a wide variety of nutritional foods providing 50% of the recommended daily food intake for children. This means providing adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals for young children. Vegetables and fresh fruits are a daily part of the menu and wholegrain breads and cereals are also provided. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | 20.7 Birthdays and other celebrations The service understands the importance of celebrating a birthday/name day or other special celebration however certain guidelines need to be taken into consideration: For safety and health reasons the service has strict food and food handling policies. Educators consult with families prior to any celebration regarding the date they would like to celebrate. Families are encouraged to consult with the kitchen to arrange any appropriate food to be made. Families are encouraged not to bring any party food for the celebration. Educators will speak to families of any children with a relevant medical condition prior to them eating the celebratory food. Encourages celebrating with a focus on healthy alternatives, other than ‘sometimes’ foods for special occasions Families are encouraged to attend the celebrations We celebrate the Birthdays with a “Healthy Eating Option” for example watermelon cake and or a cake approved under the guidelines of the Healthy Eating Advisory (Nutrition Australia). 20.8 Emergency food If the service experiences an emergency such as loss of power or evacuation, emergency plans to ensure food is available to children are enacted Educators are to contact another City of Port Phillip Children’s Service or the Meals On Wheels service The service also has a supply of food that does not require cooking that can be offered to children | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Children will be encouraged to try different foods but will never be forced to eat. Children’s food likes and dislikes and their family’s religious and cultural beliefs regarding food will always be respected. Food is never to be used as a form of punishment, reward or bribe either by its provision or by denial. Age appropriate dental health discussions and practices, such as a visit from the local dental service Inner South Community Health Services (ISCHS), dental displays or providing water for children to drink and rinse their mouth with after meals will be included in the program. Information from recognised health and dental authorities will be available for families to support children’s dental health practices. Meal times will be available at regular intervals within the program, with small, nutritious snacks being available to children as required or on request. Children shall be allowed to eat meals without being rushed or forced. Supports educators and families to access resources and professional development to support oral health and healthy eating. Fundraising, advertisements and sponsorship will align with this policy and reflect the Healthy Eating principles. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Ensure menus developed by the service are nutritionally balanced and planned with input from children, families and educators, to reflect the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Where possible, fresh produce will be used. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Ensure that each child has enough to eat. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Parents will be encouraged to pack water only for their child. Fizzy and sugary drinks will be sent home, with a positive explanation regarding the health benefits of water. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Where possible, meals and drinks will reflect a variety of cultural backgrounds, including those of the local community, where: o Multicultural differences will be recognised and accepted; o Food awareness activities will be chosen from a variety of cultures; and o Special occasions may be celebrated with culturally appropriate foods. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | The menu is aligned with the Health Eating Advisory Service (HEAS) Information regarding the child’s eating patterns, likes, dislikes and cultural background is sought from families on enrolment Menus are developed through consultation between the chef, coordinator, families, educators and children Families of children with any special dietary needs are asked to provide details and appropriate information about these needs Food is provided at regular and frequent intervals to satisfy the nutritional needs of children Families are advised on children’s eating habits and at times offered of alternatives that are discussed and agreed upon between families and educators The drinking of water is actively encouraged and provided at regular and frequent intervals and on demand especially in hot weather. While acknowledging that children have different needs to adults in relation to fat intake this is reduced by: Trimming all visible fat from meat and removing skin from chicken Spreading margarine very thinly Using only minimal amounts of polyunsaturated fats in cooking Not providing fried foods. The intake of sugar is reduced by: Providing foods which have low or no added sugar Where possible, using recipes requiring no or minimal sugar Ensuring foods with a high sugar content are only provided infrequently and in moderation. When purchasing food low, reduced or no added salt foods are chosen and: Preference is given to food with no added salt Salt is not added to food prepared at the service. High risk foods linked to choking are minimised and: Raw food such as apple, celery and carrot are provided either grated, cooked or mashed for children under three Meat is given in small bite size pieces, minced or pureed Other high-risk foods such as nuts are not provided. Weekly menus are displayed on the notice board and recipes available to families on request. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Fundraising, advertisements and sponsorship will align with this policy and reflect the Healthy Eating principles. | Health and Wellbeing | Restrict unhealthy food advertising; increase healthy food promotion | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | A variety of training and collaboration with the Achievement Program to reach required benchmarks of the program. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Children will be encouraged to try different foods but will never be forced to eat. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Communicate to families, where practical, the amount their child has eaten and drank, their food preferences and interests while attending the service. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Displays the policy near the kitchen and in the policy document Communicates nutritional information to all educators and families through newsletters, displays, pamphlets, books and information sessions. 2 | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Food Handling Training provided to educators and updated regularly to ensure current best practice information around nutrition | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Help one another and observe simple courtesies, such as waiting their turn to receive food and are supported in correct utensil use | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Include nutritionally focused educational activities within the program to broaden children's awareness of a wide variety of food and the links between health and nutrition Encourage families attending the service to choose healthy food options and information is provided to families regarding healthy food options for their child Information on nutrition, food handling and storage will be displayed at the service and provided to parents Parents will be encouraged to pack water only for their child. Fizzy and sugary drinks will be sent home, with a positive explanation regarding the health benefits of water. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Include nutritionally focused educational activities within the program to broaden children's awareness of a wide variety of food and the links between health and nutrition Encourage families attending the service to choose healthy food options and information is provided to families regarding healthy food options for their child Information on nutrition, food handling and storage will be displayed at the service and provided to parents Parents will be encouraged to pack water only for their child. Fizzy and sugary drinks will be sent home, with a positive explanation regarding the health benefits of water. En | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Supports educators and families to access resources and professional development to support oral health and healthy eating. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Use a worm farm or composting bin to reduce food waste in the service. Children will be encouraged to place food scraps into separate containers for use in the worm farm or composting bin. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |
| Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides | Use a worm farm or composting bin to reduce food waste in the service. Children will be encouraged to place food scraps into separate containers for use in the worm farm or composting bin. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Port Phillip | Metropolitan |