Australian Local Food System Policy Database - Strengthening Food Systems Governance at the Local Level

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).

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Relevant text in the policy

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Document title	Relevant text in the policy	Domain	Topic	State	Local Government name	Council type
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.	Health and Wellbeing	Education/events on food system issues	Victoria	Port Phillip	Metropolitan
Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides	 Food handling information provided to families  Copies of training are displayed or in educators files.	Health and Wellbeing	Education/events on food system issues	Victoria	Port Phillip	Metropolitan
Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides	 Food handling information provided to families  Copies of training are displayed or in educators files. 2	Health and Wellbeing	Education/events on food system issues	Victoria	Port Phillip	Metropolitan
Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides	 Invite families to at least one food occasion each year.	Health and Wellbeing	Education/events on food system issues	Victoria	Port Phillip	Metropolitan
Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides	 Invite families to at least one food occasion each year.  C	Health and Wellbeing	Education/events on food system issues	Victoria	Port Phillip	Metropolitan
Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides	 Provide positive role modelling to children regarding food, nutrition, eating habits and attitudes to food  Use meal times as an opportunity to encourage positive eating habits, interactions, discussions and an appreciation of the variety of food and the benefits of tap water  Meal times will be used as a positive experience to discuss the importance of healthy food and drink options  Educators avoid placing their own personal values and attitudes on food in front of the children  Encourage children where appropriate, assist in preparing tables for lunch including clearing, cleaning and setting tables  Children and educators are encouraged where possible to serve smaller serves with second helpings available	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.  Children’s food likes and dislikes and their family’s religious and cultural beliefs regarding food will always be respected.	Health and Wellbeing	Traditional food cultures	Victoria	Port Phillip	Metropolitan
Family, Youth and Children (FYC) Strategy 2014 – 2019 guides	Information regarding the child’s eating patterns, likes, dislikes and cultural background is sought from families on enrolment	Health and Wellbeing	Traditional food cultures	Victoria	Port Phillip	Metropolitan
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	 Provide nutritious and appropriate food/drinks if supplying meals for the child.  Not	Health and Wellbeing	Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY RATIONALE: To ensure all children in care with Far West Family Day Care are offered a nutritious and appropriate diet that has been stored and prepared in a safe and hygienic manner. POLICY STATEMENT: Family Day Care recognises the early years of a child’s life is a critical period for their healthy development and growth. During this time, both physical and intellectual development is largely dependent upon adequate nutritional intake. Eating is also a source of enjoyment and it is important that Educators and staff do not become so concerned about nutrition and manners that they lose sight of children’s enjoyment of food. Many of the eating habits and attitudes to food developed in childhood continue throughout life. RELEVANT LEGISLATION:  Education and Care Services National Law 2011 (Amended 2018)  Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 (Amended 2018) (Clause 78, 79 & 80) KEY RESOURCES:  Guide to the Education and Care Services National Law and the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 (ACECQA).  National Quality Standards 2018 (ACECQA) – Quality Area 2  Guide to the National Quality Framework 2018 (ACECQA).  Guide to the National Quality Standard 2018 (ACECQA).  Childcare Providers Handbook  NSW Food Authority under the Food Act 2003 No 43  Caring for Children Food, Nutrition and Fun Activities  Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia (National Health and Medical Research Council)  The Healthy Eating and physical activity guidelines for Early Childhood (Get Up and Grow resources 2009)  NSW Department of Health – Munch and Move PRACTICES Co-ordination Unit Staff will:  Provide information and resources to Educators and families on nutrition, food preparation and storage.  Encourage families to provide adequate and nutritious meals for their children in care.  Provide advice and support to Educators and families on matters relating to food and nutrition. NUTRITION	Health and Wellbeing	Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	 Collect and record relevant information about individual special dietary requirements of children (i.e. allergies, cultural, etc) if required.  Regularly provide Educators and families with nutrition guidelines based on the service Nutrition Policy. Educators will:  Provide each child with food and drinks provided by the family, unless other arrangements are made.  Hold a Food Handling Certificate if they are providing food to children as part of their service. If food is provided as part of the business a menu must be developed and displayed.  Notify the NSW Food Authority www.foodnotify.nsw.gov.au of their food activity if they: – Provide morning tea, afternoon tea and/or lunch which has not been provided by the parents. This must form part of the regular service. – Provide any type of food, such as milk, juice and/or fruit etc as part of the regular service. – Provide any type of food for any child/children on a regular on-going request by a parent.  If supplying meals, develop and display a suitable menu outlining what children will be eating in the service.	Health and Wellbeing	Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	 Encourage children to try different types and textures of foods.  Offering appropriate amount of food.  Offer meals and snacks of regular and predicable intervals.	Health and Wellbeing	Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	Co-ordination Unit Staff will:  Provide information and resources to Educators and families on nutrition, food preparation and storage.  Encourage families to provide adequate and nutritious meals for their children in care.  Provide advice and support to Educators and families on matters relating to food and nutrition.	Health and Wellbeing	Education/events on food system issues	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	It is the responsibility of all to:  Encourage and support breastfeeding.  Choose water as a drink.  Eat more fruit and vegetables.  Choose healthier snacks.  Get active each day.  Turn off the television and computer and get active.	Health and Wellbeing	Education/events on food system issues	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	Provide information to children and families that outline good nutrition practices.	Health and Wellbeing	Education/events on food system issues	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	Regularly provide Educators and families with nutrition guidelines based on the service Nutrition Policy.	Health and Wellbeing	Education/events on food system issues	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	 Encourage and support all Educators and staff to attend relevant conferences and forums.  Include nutrition Professional Development and a food safety component into new Educators induction.  Provide nutrition and food safety Professional Development on a regular basis.	Health and Wellbeing	Education/events on food system issues	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	 Understand the eating habits and nutritional needs of each child.  Encourage and support children to develop independence in eating.  Facilitate meal times that are positive, relaxed and social.	Health and Wellbeing	Education/events on food system issues	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	Respect the requests of families relating to dietary, religious or cultural beliefs.	Health and Wellbeing	Traditional food cultures	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	 Collect and record relevant information about individual special dietary requirements of children (i.e. allergies, cultural, etc) if required.	Health and Wellbeing	Traditional food cultures	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	It is the responsibility of all to:  Encourage and support breastfeeding.	Health and Wellbeing	Breastfeeding	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	The following principles are recommended in preparing infant’s bottle feeds:  Wash hands before preparing or handling expressed milk or formula;  Store bottles of milk in the refrigerator, do not store in the door of the refrigerator;  Use only sterilised bottles and teat assemblies for all infant feeds;  If needed, prepare formula strictly according to instructions on the container;  Do not use a microwave for re heating expressed breast milk; warm bottles by standing them in warm/hot water;  Warm infant milk bottles only once;  Shake the bottle, and test the temperature of the milk on your wrist before giving it to the baby;  Discard any unused infant milk leftover after each feed or that has not been consumed by the infant after 30 minutes After use, rinse teats and bottles with water, wash in hot soapy water, rinse with water, send home to be sterilised or sterilise using equipment provided by parent.	Health and Wellbeing	Breastfeeding	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	Handle and store food as per the recommendation of Guideline: Food Handling and Storage.	Food Quality and Safety	Education on/enforce food safety regulations	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	Hold a Food Handling Certificate if they are providing food to children as part of their service. If food is provided as part of the business a menu must be developed and displayed.  Notify the NSW Food Authority www.foodnotify.nsw.gov.au of their food activity if they: – Provide morning tea, afternoon tea and/or lunch which has not been provided by the parents. This must form part of the regular service. – Provide any type of food, such as milk, juice and/or fruit etc as part of the regular service. – Provide any type of food for any child/children on a regular on-going request by a parent.	Food Quality and Safety	Education on/enforce food safety regulations	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	The following principles are recommended in preparing infant’s bottle feeds:  Wash hands before preparing or handling expressed milk or formula;  Store bottles of milk in the refrigerator, do not store in the door of the refrigerator;  Use only sterilised bottles and teat assemblies for all infant feeds;  If needed, prepare formula strictly according to instructions on the container;  Do not use a microwave for re heating expressed breast milk; warm bottles by standing them in warm/hot water;  Warm infant milk bottles only once;  Shake the bottle, and test the temperature of the milk on your wrist before giving it to the baby;  Discard any unused infant milk leftover after each feed or that has not been consumed by the infant after 30 minutes After use, rinse teats and bottles with water, wash in hot soapy water, rinse with water, send home to be sterilised or sterilise using equipment provided by parent.	Food Quality and Safety	Education on/enforce food safety regulations	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	When preparing meals and snacks Educators will:  Clean tables that are to be used for the meal.  Wash and dry hands before preparing or serving foods. If you are interrupted to care for another child while preparing food or spoon-feeding an infant, be sure to wash and dry your hands again before you continue.  Check that all children’s hands are washed before they eat or drink.  Teach children to turn away from food when they cough or sneeze, and then to wash and dry their hands.  If children are serving themselves from the same container, they must be supervised and utensils used to prevent children from touching food that other children will eat. This will assist to maintain food safety while also encouraging children to develop independence and self-help skills.  Use a separate spoon for each baby you feed.  Ensure children remain seated while eating.  Ensure where possible children do not share food, plates or utensils.  Thoroughly heat meals that have come from a child’s home and then let them cool down to a safe temperature for child to eat.  Heat food once only.	Food Quality and Safety	Education on/enforce food safety regulations	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	 Avoid direct contact with ready to eat food by wearing gloves, washing hands or using tongs  When transporting food eg morning tea at playgroup. Consider the time involved, the temperature, outside and in the car, and the foodstuffs the children have for morning tea and transport appropriately  Advise the Coordinator of any gastrointestinal illness.	Food Quality and Safety	Education on/enforce food safety regulations	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT NUTRITION, FOOD AND BEVERAGES, DIETARY REQUIREMENTS POLICY	 Ensure children consume food and beverages in a hygienic manner  Have a designated area for food preparation and storage, and for preparation of bottles, which is safe and hygienic.	Food Quality and Safety	Education on/enforce food safety regulations	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT SUSTAINABILITY POLICY & PROCEDURE	 Growing plants from seeds	Sustainability and Environment	Home and community gardening	NSW	Cobar	Regional
FAR WEST FAMILY DAY CARE POLICY DOCUMENT SUSTAINABILITY POLICY & PROCEDURE	Actively engage children in recycling, composting, gardening and worm farm experiences.	Food Waste	Food losses and food waste	NSW	Cobar	Regional