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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Hold Ctrl to select multiple terms. Using ‘any words’ functions as an “OR” search. Using ‘all words’ functions as and “AND” search.
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| Document title | Relevant text in the policy | Domain | Topic | State | Local Government name | Council type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Dental Health Statement Children attending OOSH will be given every opportunity to be independent decision makers, providing them with knowledge and awareness of the dental health. This will be illustrated by giving them opportunities to make choices and plan menus and snacks. Discussions and reflections will be held with children regarding the vital role teeth play in the body’s functions and how to maintain oral health. Details and Strategies Staff will ensure that: Children are provided with milk and water while at OOSH programs. Cordial and fruit juice will be discouraged. Diluted fruit juice and warm Milo may be provided on special occasions and in the coldest parts of winter; Children will be provided with water at lunch times; Dental hygiene information will be provided to staff/parents/caregivers and included in program activities for children; Overall good food nutrition habits will be encouraged through routine/program information provided to staff and families; A visit by the dental therapist will take place at least once per year or when available; Healthy lunch boxes are encouraged, with ideas and acceptable OOSH lunch box requirements being provided to parents/caregivers regularly to encourage and monitor healthy food choices; Children are involved in active after school activities and other curriculum opportunities that enhance knowledge and awareness and to encourage positive decision making regarding general dental health. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Details and Strategies A menu developed using the principles set out in the Dietary Guidelines for Children and Young People in Australia will be on display for families and children. The menu will be an accurate representation of food and drink that is being served. Fresh drinking water will be available at all times for the children and staff. During Vacation Care, parents/caregivers will be asked to provide their child’s morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and drinks (with OOSH providing fruit), unless otherwise stated on the program. No menu will be displayed where food and drink is not provided by the service. Children should be seated while eating or drinking. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Details and Strategies All excursions will be planned taking into consideration: The children’s ages, capabilities and interests; Ways to maximise the children’s developmental experiences and safety; Suitability of the venue and access including wheelchairs if required; Access to food, drink, toilets and other facilities | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Food and Nutrition Statement CAFS believes that good nutrition is essental for a child’s healthy growth and development. For this reason the service will provide nutritious, good quality food consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Children and Young People in Australia. Staff will aim to provide a relaxed and enjoyable environment for children to eat their meals and snacks ( “My Time, Our Place” 1.1). All food served will be consistent with the child’s own dietary requirments, and take into consideration the children’s like and dislikes, and Safe Food Handling Guidelines, as well as meet any cultural requirements of families (“My Time, Our Place” 3.2). High standards of hygiene will be maintained throughout all food preparation. (Refer to “Health and Hygiene”, pp. 24-6). | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Healthy eating is a shared responsibility, between staff, children and families. Staff members are responsible for: Scheduling regular times, in between activities, for meals and snacks that meet children’s needs, allowing for transition from an activity to meal time; Planning a healthy and nutritiously balanced menu; Preparing food in a safe and hygienic manner; Supporting children to come to the eating area for meals and snacks, even if they choose not to eat; Creating a relaxed and pleasant social environment at mealtimes; Respecting children’s choices. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | The denial of food will never be used as a punishment. Containers are to be cleaned and stored appropriately. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | We will encourage the development of the children’s good eating habits through the modelling and reinforcing of healthy eating and nutrition practices by Staff. Parents/caregivers will be encouraged to share family recipes and traditions to enrich the variety and enjoyment of food by the children and support the children’s development of respect for, and understanding of, diversity (“My Time, Our Place” 1.3). When the staff provides a variety of healthy food, children are more able to choose from the food provided. Enabling children to make choices empowers them and builds their skills in making good food choices. Where possible staff will seek out opportunities to learn about growing food and collaborate with children to use that food in the Service menu planning (“My Time, Our Place” 3.4). Educators will enable opportunities for children to be actively involved in preparation and cooking of snacks to build life long learning about positive interactions and skills linked to food and nutrition. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Staff members do not: Focus on how much a child has eaten – but note this for families; Force children to eat through rewards, heavy persuasion or coercion; Withdraw food as a behaviour guidance strategy; Rush children to eat but encourage a timely pace especially if the area needs to be used by another group. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | A quarterly newsletter will provide information for parents/caregivers, regarding: Parenting information; Changes in childcare legislation or policies; Proposed changes in procedures; Calendar of relevant events; Scheduled dates for community/family meetings; Information on other services, activities, and events relevant to children and families; Staff changes; Feedback or Complaints Procedures; Rights and Responsibilities. Safety concerns; Regulations and procedures updates; Reference Number: Related Documents: Version Number: 3 Date of Effect: 22/02/2018 Review Date: February 2021 Responsible Officer: TLCAFS Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services Page 72 Meals and Nutrition; Children’s Health; | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Children are responsible for: Choosing which of the healthy food options offered, they want to eat; Deciding how much food they want to eat; Contributing to the preparation of their food when appropriate; Serving and assisting each other. The five (5) key behaviours that staff members promote at mealtimes are: Eat together; Sit and interact while eating; Offer new foods regularly; Provide healthy meals and snacks with a few choices; Let children choose what to eat and how much to eat, from the healthy selection that is provided. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Children should be seated while eating or drinking. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Children’s cooking activities will be encouraged to develop life skills. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Dental Health Statement Children attending OOSH will be given every opportunity to be independent decision makers, providing them with knowledge and awareness of the dental health. This will be illustrated by giving them opportunities to make choices and plan menus and snacks. Discussions and reflections will be held with children regarding the vital role teeth play in the body’s functions and how to maintain oral health. Details and Strategies Staff will ensure that: Children are provided with milk and water while at OOSH programs. Cordial and fruit juice will be discouraged. Diluted fruit juice and warm Milo may be provided on special occasions and in the coldest parts of winter; Children will be provided with water at lunch times; Dental hygiene information will be provided to staff/parents/caregivers and included in program activities for children; Overall good food nutrition habits will be encouraged through routine/program information provided to staff and families; A visit by the dental therapist will take place at least once per year or when available; Healthy lunch boxes are encouraged, with ideas and acceptable OOSH lunch box requirements being provided to parents/caregivers regularly to encourage and monitor healthy food choices; Children are involved in active after school activities and other curriculum opportunities that enhance knowledge and awareness and to encourage positive decision making regarding general dental health. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Education of healthy eating habits will be developed through ongoing example, specific activities, notices, posters and information sheets to parents/caregivers. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Healthy Food Messages Mealtimes together provide an opportunity for staff to discuss the origins of food, food production and nutrition messages with children. However, good food messages are also integrated into other parts of the day and these messages focus on: Mealtimes are social occasions when people eat together; Developing good eating habits such as regular times for meals; Trying new foods, regularly; Eating when hungry; Starting with small portions and stopping when full; Enjoying a variety of foods. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Staff can also: Discuss nutrition at mealtimes, in an informal manner; Draw children’s attention to a new food or something interesting about a particular food e.g. how beans grow; if food has been prepared differently, any cultural factors about the food offered; Encourage children to stay at the table and talk or provide quiet activities for children who may finish eating more quickly than others. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | The Eating Environment The focus of the mealtime environment is on a safe and relaxed atmosphere and about building positive relationships between staff and children and among peers. In the eating environment staff members provide: Tables to sit at; Tableware and utensils that are attractive and the area maintained in a clean and aesthetic manner; Opportunities for children to assist in setting up and clearing away the meal environment – in line with their skills and interest; Discussions with children about the environment and what they would like – tablecloths, a centrepiece for decoration, quiet music; utensils or other items that reflect different cultures; Serving bowls with food and drink that children can serve themselves with staff close by to supervise and support when needed; Safe area/s for children to stack used plates, cutlery and cups; Scheduled snack and mealtimes throughout the day, set up consistently to provide continuity and assurance for children, but with some flexibility for special activities, the weather, or if younger children seem to be getting tired etc. Interactions at Mealtimes The focus of interactions and conversations is primarily on the children’s interests and experiences. Staff can: Encourage children to talk among their table group; Highlight particular activities they may have engaged in that day; Reference Nu | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | We will encourage the development of the children’s good eating habits through the modelling and reinforcing of healthy eating and nutrition practices by Staff. Parents/caregivers will be encouraged to share family recipes and traditions to enrich the variety and enjoyment of food by the children and support the children’s development of respect for, and understanding of, diversity (“My Time, Our Place” 1.3). When the staff provides a variety of healthy food, children are more able to choose from the food provided. Enabling children to make choices empowers them and builds their skills in making good food choices. Where possible staff will seek out opportunities to learn about growing food and collaborate with children to use that food in the Service menu planning (“My Time, Our Place” 3.4). Educators will enable opportunities for children to be actively involved in preparation and cooking of snacks to build life long learning about positive interactions and skills linked to food and nutrition. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Sit close to a group and/or move around to each table group; Sit when talking with children rather than always talking at them from a standing position; Eat some of the food offered with the children; Remain calm and accommodate children’s developing food preparation skills and some ‘messiness’ at mealtimes. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Parents/caregivers will be encouraged to share family recipes and traditions to enrich the variety and enjoyment of food by the children and support the children’s development of respect for, and understanding of, diversity (“My Time, Our Place” 1.3). | Health and Wellbeing | Traditional food cultures | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Staff will aim to provide a relaxed and enjoyable environment for children to eat their meals and snacks ( “My Time, Our Place” 1.1). All food served will be consistent with the child’s own dietary requirments, and take into consideration the children’s like and dislikes, and Safe Food Handling Guidelines, as well as meet any cultural requirements of families (“My Time, Our Place” 3.2). | Health and Wellbeing | Traditional food cultures | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Dental Health Statement Children attending OOSH will be given every opportunity to be independent decision makers, providing them with knowledge and awareness of the dental health. This will be illustrated by giving them opportunities to make choices and plan menus and snacks. Discussions and reflections will be held with children regarding the vital role teeth play in the body’s functions and how to maintain oral health. Details and Strategies Staff will ensure that: Children are provided with milk and water while at OOSH programs. Cordial and fruit juice will be discouraged. Diluted fruit juice and warm Milo may be provided on special occasions and in the coldest parts of winter; Children will be provided with water at lunch times; | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Fresh drinking water will be available at all times for the children and staff. | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Spare drinking water. | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Separate areas in the indoor environment will be provided for: o Signing children in/out of the service; o Staff and families to talk in confidence; o Children to store their bags and belongings; o Storage of equipment; o Storage of food; o Storage of dangerous materials; o Storage of family records; o Preparation of food and drinks; o Kitchen and other refuse; | Planning Frameworks | Modify housing/property designs to ensure adequate food storage/preparation areas | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Where possible staff will seek out opportunities to learn about growing food and collaborate with children to use that food in the Service menu planning (“My Time, Our Place” 3.4). | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | All perishable foods will be stored in the refrigerator and the temperature should be monitored to ensure it is less than 5ºC. CAFS will provide food handling and hygiene information to parents/caregivers. The service will regularly review and evaluate food handling and practices in line wth current best practice guidelines from recognised authorities. Children will be encouraged not to share their drinking and eating utensils. Tongs and spoons will be used for the serving of food. Where possible staff will encourage children to self serve for food and drinks, encouraging the development of their food handling skills as well as acknowledging their growing sense of independence. All crockery and utensils will be washed in hot, soapy water. Staff members are not required to use gloves when handling food, if correct hand washing practices have been implemented (refer to Food Act). If gloves are used, care must be taken to avoid contaminating food by only using them for one continuous task and then discarding them. Gloves must be removed, discarded and replaced with a new pair before handling food and before working with ready to eat food after handling raw food. Gloves must be removed, discarded and replaced after using the toilet, smoking, coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief, eating, drinking or touching the hair, scalp or body. All rubbish or left over food is to be disposed of immediately in lidded bins, and bins are to emptied at least daily and then wiped with disinfectant. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | At all times safe and hygienic practices will be followed as per the Hygiene Policy.Staff members are required to attend regular professional development on nutrition and Safe Food Handling. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Food All food will be prepared and stored in a hygienic manner and Safe Food Handling Guidelines followed. Children will be encouraged to be involved in food preparation, to assist them to have opportunites to learn more about hygience practices when preparing food. This particpation should always be supervised and explanations provided to children on the reasons why hygienic conditions are maintained. Food will be stored in tightly sealed containers, away from chemicals. Kitchen equipment will be cleaned and stored appropriately. Surfaces are cleaned before and/or after food preparation. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Policies and Procedures for Children and Family Services | Health and Safety A Food Safety Program ensures that all requirements of Work Health Safety and the Food Act 2003 are complied with. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |