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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy and Sustainable Food Choices Guidelines for all Council managed food services | It is our aim to have continuous improvement in increasing the options of ‘sustainable foods’ on all Council services menus. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | NSW | Blue Mountains | Metropolitan |
| Healthy and Sustainable Food Choices Guidelines for all Council managed food services | How to reduce food miles • Buy produce that thrives in our own region. • Use local suppliers – read the labels or ask where produce has come from. • Avoid air freight. Tell your suppliers that you want food with ‘country of origin’ clearly identifi ed on the label. • Serve whatever is in season – when it is at its freshest and tastiest, and also at the best price. • Source your food from community food options: local farmers’ markets, community gardens, food co-operatives. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | NSW | Blue Mountains | Metropolitan |
| Healthy and Sustainable Food Choices Guidelines for all Council managed food services | Food Safety | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Blue Mountains | Metropolitan |
| Healthy and Sustainable Food Choices Guidelines for all Council managed food services | Trade is a trading partnership that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, disadvantaged producers and workers. Fair Trade organisations are engaged in supporting producers in awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practices of conventional international trade. Fair Trade’s strategic intent is: • To work with marginalized producers and workers in order to help them move from a position of vulnerability to security and economic self-suffi ciency; • To empower producers and workers as stakeholders in their own organisations; • To play an active role in the global arena to achieve greater equity in international trade. 14 What to look for Fairtrade Labelling Organisation (FLO) is the leading standard setting and certifi cation organisation for labelled Fairtrade. Products carry the Fair-Trade certifi cation mark as the independent consumer guarantee that producers in the developing world get a better deal. Fairtrade criteria requires sustainable farming techniques, and offer a higher price for organic products. Moreover, Fairtrade premiums are often used to train producers in organic and sustainable techniques. FLO has adopted strict environmental standards and guidelines expressly forbidding use of GMOs. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Blue Mountains | Metropolitan |
| Healthy and Sustainable Food Choices Guidelines for all Council managed food services | Use local suppliers – read the labels or ask where produce has come from | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Blue Mountains | Metropolitan |
| Healthy and Sustainable Food Choices Guidelines for all Council managed food services | Source your food from community food options: local farmers’ markets, community gardens, food co-operatives | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | NSW | Blue Mountains | Metropolitan |
| Healthy Catering Policy | Supporting Staff In order to support staff to consume and provide healthy food and drinks, Glenelg Shire Council will: provide staff with a team environment that is supportive of tea and meal breaks being taken; provide all staff with access to drinking water in reasonable proximity to their work areas, including enabling outdoor staff to carry personal water bottles; | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy eating by LG staff | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy eating by LG staff | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | Drinking water (chilled tap, filtered or bottled non-sparkling) will be provided at all Council meetings, training, functions, and events. | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | provide all staff with access to drinking water in reasonable proximity to their work areas, including enabling outdoor staff to carry personal water bottles; | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | The Responsible Serving of Alcohol guidelines, including the promotion of nonalcoholic beverages and a reasonable limit on the provision of alcoholic beverages, will be observed at Glenelg Shire Council events and meetings. As an alternative to alcohol, water, sparking mineral water, or unsweetened 100% fruit juice should be offered and placed in a prominent location. | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | provide staff with safe and clean food storage and preparation facilities at their closest office or depot, such as a refrigerator, microwave, kettle, chopping boards and knives; | Planning Frameworks | Modify housing/property designs to ensure adequate food storage/preparation areas | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | 4. The portion size of food and drink should be considered to reduce wastage and over consumption (refer to appendix 3). 5. Leftovers from catering orders should be used where possible, and within food safety guidelines, for other Council meetings, functions, or events. Where this isn’t possible, leftover food should be offered to staff to eat at work and / or take home. Disposing of food in the bin should be a last resort. | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | provide all staff with access to drinking water in reasonable proximity to their work areas, including enabling outdoor staff to carry personal water bottles; | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | Wherever possible, plastic packaging of food and beverages, and the use of disposable items for the purposes of catering (e.g. plastic cups and plates) will be reduced. Where disposable items are required (e.g. outdoor events), they will be made from compostable (paper) or recyclable (plastic) material and disposed of accordingly. | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | provide staff with safe and clean food storage and preparation facilities at their closest office or depot, such as a refrigerator, microwave, kettle, chopping boards and knives; | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | Staff responsible for catering to be familiar with Council’s ‘Food Handlers Health and Hygiene’; Keeping Food Safe’ and ‘Safe Food Storage’ brochures (refer to www.glenelg.vic.gov.au/Food_Establishments ). | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | 0. The Responsible Serving of Alcohol guidelines, including the promotion of nonalcoholic beverages and a reasonable limit on the provision of alcoholic beverages, will be observed at Glenelg Shire Council events and meetings. As an alternative to alcohol, water, sparking mineral water, or unsweetened 100% fruit juice should be offered and placed in a prominent location. 11. Wherever possible, plastic packaging of food and beverages, and the use of disposable items for the purposes of catering (e.g. plastic cups and plates) will be reduced. Where disposable items are required (e.g. outdoor events), they will be made from compostable (paper) or recyclable (plastic) material and disposed of accordingly. 12. This policy will apply to all future contracts and will be considered as a guideline for existing catering contractors. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | 5. Leftovers from catering orders should be used where possible, and within food safety guidelines, for other Council meetings, functions, or events. Where this isn’t possible, leftover food should be offered to staff to eat at work and / or take home. Disposing of food in the bin should be a last resort. 6. Dietary choices or needs are to be respected by Council staff and caterers, including cultural dietary needs. Allergies, intolerances and other restrictions are to be taken seriously and suitable options should be made available, and labelled to allow easy identification. The opportunity to indicate dietary needs | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | Caterers will be provided with the policy and notification of any changes to the policy by the staff member ordering catering. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | Catering 1. Catering will only be purchased from Food Premises that are registered with a current and appropriate Food Act Certificate (for more information visit https://www.glenelg.vic.gov.au/Food_Premises_Classification_Registration_Str uctural_Requirements). 2. Catering orders will be placed with businesses that offer healthier options (including special dietary requirements). 3. Catering will adhere to the ‘traffic light’ system for healthy catering, including the provision of at least 50% ‘green’ food, a maximum of 30% ‘amber’ food and no more than 20% ‘red’ food (refer to appendix 2). 4. The portion size of food and drink should be considered to reduce wastage and over consumption (refer to appendix 3). | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | Council Policy Glenelg Shire Council: is committed to providing a safe, healthy and supportive environment in which to work; is committed to healthy eating by creating a supportive environment for healthy food choices; recognises that good nutrition underpins a healthy lifestyle and helps to protect against a range of conditions including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and obesity1. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | maintain a list of local suppliers who have healthy catering options available to staff; and make a list of example healthy menu options available to staff and catering suppliers (Appendix 3). | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | prior to the finalisation of the catering order should be provided wherever possible. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | provide healthy options, in line with the ‘traffic light system’ (Appendix 2) wherever catered food is provided at work related meetings, training, functions and Council run events; | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | Purpose The Glenelg Shire Council recognises the importance of healthy eating, and the positive impacts it has on health and wellbeing. This policy will guide the Glenelg Shire Council when providing catering for Council events. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | Sugar sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and cordial, will not be supplied at Council meetings, training, functions or events. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | Dietary choices or needs are to be respected by Council staff and caterers, including cultural dietary needs. Allergies, intolerances and other restrictions are to be taken seriously and suitable options should be made available, and labelled to allow easy identification. The opportunity to indicate dietary needs Version: 4, Version Date: 05/04/2017 Document Set ID: 1543900 COUNCIL POLICY HEALTHY CATERING POLICY Page 5 of 12 prior to the finalisation of the catering order should be provided wherever possible. | Health and Wellbeing | Traditional food cultures | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Catering Policy | provide staff with safe and clean food storage and preparation facilities at their closest office or depot, such as a refrigerator, microwave, kettle, chopping boards and knives; | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy eating by LG staff | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| Healthy Choices Policy | 3. Scope The Policy will apply to all contexts where Council has an influence on the food and beverages provided, and where Council funds are used to provide, or influence the provision of food and beverages supplied. The settings have been grouped into three ‘categories’, each category adhering to unique implementation timelines and targets. The ‘categories’ are as follows: Category 1: Category 1 settings typically have high level of Council influence as well as a high level of complexity, including accountability, corporate responsibility, community safety, compliance, and/or quality standards implications. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |