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 Choices Policy | 6. Principles Council is committed to making healthier food and drink options more accessible for our community at all Council settings so they have the best opportunity to manage their own health and wellbeing. In introducing this Policy, Council commits to: 6.1 Focussing on our role as a responsible steward of Council funds through providing access to healthy food and beverage options (wherever supplied) across all Council business. This will be achieved by: Introducing a food standard consistent with HEAS recommendations for Council’s provision of food and beverages across all Council settings. Developing Healthy Choices Procedures to detail how the Policy will be implemented in each setting to ensure increased access to healthy food and beverage options. Establishing accountability and oversight processes to make sure we are consistent in providing healthier food and beverage options through Council settings and services. Making a public statement of Council’s commitment to Healthy Choices Policy, to ensure increased accountability. 6.2 Influencing an overall healthy change within the Frankston City food system. This will be achieved by: Gradually improving access to healthier food and beverage options at all settings managed by Council within the municipality to contribute to a healthier local food environment. 6.3 Improving alignment with the National and State Quality Standards, and the Victorian Healthy Choices Guidelines, including voluntary commitment to: Compliance with industry specific National and State Quality Standards; Striving to achieve the Victorian Healthy Choices Guidelinesi traffic light system recommendations of providing at least 50% green food and beverage options (healthiest choice), and no more than 20% red (limit) options; and Introducing and promoting the Healthy Eating Advisory Service’s FoodChecker©ii online menu assessment tool. 6.4 Respecting consumer choice through implementing the Policy. This will be achieved by: Increasing the availability of healthy food and beverage options, while retaining a suitable supply of current food and beverage options to accommodate cultural and individual tastes, preferences, and dietary requirements; and Not regulating foods selected and consumed by individuals. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| Healthy Choices Policy | Council’s Category 1 settings include: Council-run events (any department). Council-run specialist food services providing prepared meals to specific community cohorts. Externally contracted commercial services engaged by Council commercial kitchen on behalf of Council. Category 1 settings are required to develop their own ‘Healthy Choices Procedure’ detailing how they will adopt the Policy throughout their setting. Category 1 Procedures require the Executive Management Team endorsement within two years of Policy adoption and will be enforceable though the Policy. Expert support will be available to Category 1 settings to develop their Procedures. Category 2: Category 2 settings typically have a high level Council influence, and lower level complexity/risk than Category 1. Council’s Category 2 settings include: Catered meetings and functions wherever food and beverages are procured using Council funds. Catered programs, forums, events and services wherever food and beverages are provided to Council personnel, external agencies or the community. Council venues and services where food and beverages are provided, available for purchase, or used as a means of program delivery by Council personnel. Council’s community grants programs wherever food or beverages are directly supplied to grant recipients. Food focussed promotional activities, programs and events funded (or co-funded) by Council. Category 2 settings are required to develop their own ‘Healthy Choices Procedure’, with the option of expert support, detailing how they will adopt the Policy through their setting. Category 2 Procedures require Executive Management Team endorsement within one year of Policy adoption. Category 2 Procedures will be enforceable though the Policy. Category 3: Category 3 settings are Council owned or managed premises which are leased to external parties or partner agencies (although operating at arm’s length from Council) and typically used for their own purposes. Category 3 stakeholders include Commercial, Corporate, Community and Not-For-Profit groups. These settings also include external partners or partner agencies in receipt of funding from Council to deliver a food focussed program, event, campaign or service. Category 3 settings include: Policy: Approved by: Date approved: Last revision: Seaford >> Frankston >> Langwarrin >> Karingal >> Skye >> Frankston South >> Frankston North >> Carrum Downs >> Langwarrin South >> Sandhurst to deliver a food service or | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| Healthy Choices Policy | The Healthy Choices Policy (Policy) introduces a Council-wide healthy choices food and beverage standard to increase supply of healthier food and beverage options at all Council settings, services, and programs, for Council personnel and the community to access. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| Healthy Choices Policy | To make healthy food and beverages easier to access in Frankston, by improving the range, availability and promotion of healthy food and beverage options at Council facilities, services and programs. To introduce a consistent standard in the provision and promotion of healthy food and beverage options throughout Council, to better support Council personnel, and the broader community to enjoy good health and wellbeing. To deliver the Frankston City Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2017-2021 aspiration of make healthier food and drink options more accessible for our community at Council settings. To create a healthier food environment that contributes to a decline in the prevalence of diet related preventable chronic diseases in Frankston City (which exceeds the state average). | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| Healthy Choices Policy | Council’s Sport and Recreation facilities managed by community, volunteer or semi-professional sports clubs or commercial entities. Grant funding for commercial food and beverage outlets and events (e.g. Tourism Event Attraction Program). Commercially operated cafes, restaurants or function centres, operating from a Council owned or managed property (this also includes temporary pop-up businesses managed through the Commercial Activities in Public Open Space (CAPOS) program). Community, Commercial or Not-For-Profit events run on Council land. Community or Commercial hire of Council owned venues or facilities for program or private use. Casual hire of Council owned or managed venues or facilities, for self-catered events. Partner Agency managed events, including in the instance of joint event planning with Council. Council personnel are required to comply with the Healthy Choices Category 3 Procedure when engaging these stakeholders. Council personnel are additionally required to inform these stakeholders about the Policy, and provide them with the ‘Frankston City Council – Healthy Food and Beverage Guideline’ (Guideline) (Appendix A). The Guideline must be distributed to the Category 3 stakeholders immediately upon endorsement of the Policy. Category 3 stakeholder compliance is encouraged, but not enforceable through the Policy. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| Healthy Choices Policy | 6.4 Respecting consumer choice through implementing the Policy. This will be achieved by: Increasing the availability of healthy food and beverage options, while retaining a suitable supply of current food and beverage options to accommodate cultural and individual tastes, preferences, and dietary requirements; and Not regulating foods selected and consumed by individuals. | Health and Wellbeing | Traditional food cultures | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| Healthy Choices Policy | Category 3: Category 3 settings are Council owned or managed premises which are leased to external parties or partner agencies (although operating at arm’s length from Council) and typically used for their own purposes. Category 3 stakeholders include Commercial, Corporate, Community and Not-For-Profit groups. These settings also include external partners or partner agencies in receipt of funding from Council to deliver a food focussed program, event, campaign or service. Category 3 settings include: Policy: Approved by: Date approved: Last revision: Seaford >> Frankston >> Langwarrin >> Karingal >> Skye >> Frankston South >> Frankston North >> Carrum Downs >> Langwarrin South >> Sandhurst to deliver a food service or Council’s Sport and Recreation facilities managed by community, volunteer or semi-professional sports clubs or commercial entities. Grant funding for commercial food and beverage outlets and events (e.g. Tourism Event Attraction Program). Commercially operated cafes, restaurants or function centres, operating from a Council owned or managed property (this also includes temporary pop-up businesses managed through the Commercial Activities in Public Open Space (CAPOS) program). Community, Commercial or Not-For-Profit events run on Council land. Community or Commercial hire of Council owned venues or facilities for program or private use. Casual hire of Council owned or managed venues or facilities, for self-catered events. Partner Agency managed events, including in the instance of joint event planning with Council. Council personnel are required to comply with the Healthy Choices Category 3 Procedure when engaging these stakeholders. Council personnel are additionally required to inform these stakeholders about the Policy, and provide them with the ‘Frankston City Council – Healthy Food and Beverage Guideline’ (Guideline) (Appendix A). The Guideline must be distributed to the Category 3 stakeholders immediately upon endorsement of the Policy. Category 3 stakeholder compliance is encouraged, but not enforceable through the Policy. | Health and Wellbeing | Partner with sport clubs to provide healthy choices | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| Healthy Choices Policy | Grant funding for commercial food and beverage outlets and events (e.g. Tourism Event Attraction Program). Commercially operated cafes, restaurants or function centres, operating from a Council owned or managed property (this also includes temporary pop-up businesses managed through the Commercial Activities in Public Open Space (CAPOS) program). Community, Commercial or Not-For-Profit events run on Council land. | Health and Wellbeing | Encourage existing retailers/caterers to sell healthy, sustainable and affordable food | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| Healthy environments | All children, families Educators, Staff and others will Wash hands thoroughly with soap (or soap-substitute) and water following the established procedure: | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Bega | Regional |
| Healthy environments | Educators, Staff and others will Use disposable gloves in the following circumstances: when involved in handling blood, body fluids or preparing/ serving food when they have broken skin (e.g. cut, abrasion, dermatitis) and are at risk of exposure to infection when handling food | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Bega | Regional |
| Healthy Food and Drink | 1. POLICY PURPOSE To promote and encourage healthy food and drink choices across the community and increase the availability of healthy food and drink at Council owned and operated facilities, events, functions and meetings. 2. DEFINITION Healthy foods and drinks are generally low in unhealthy fats, salt and sugar, excluding alcohol, and which provide the nutrients needed to maintain health, wellbeing and energy for daily living. 3. POLICY Provide healthy food and drink choices at Council run events, functions and meetings and at Council owned facilities where food and drinks are sold to the public, such as swimming pools. Promote water as the drink of choice and provide drinking water fountains in public areas. Minimise as far as practical alcohol being provided or consumed at Council events and functions. Encourage alternative fundraising ideas to replace fundraising based on unhealthy foods (such as chocolates) in Council operated facilities, such as pre-schools and children centres. Encourage healthy eating within the workplace. Positively promote the benefits of healthy eating and healthy drinking to all ages and stages across the community including creating an environment that welcomes and supports breastfeeding at Council facilities. Nutrition Australia’s Healthy Eating Pyramid, the Victorian Healthy Eating and Advisory Service’s traffic light food system and the Victorian Government’s Healthy Eating Catering Guide titled Healthy choices: healthy eating policy and catering guide for workplaces will be used to guide decision making around healthy food and drinks. A partnership approach will be engaged with external agencies to support policy implementation. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Healthy Food and Drink | POLICY PURPOSE To promote and encourage healthy food and drink choices across the community and increase the availability of healthy food and drink at Council owned and operated facilities, events, functions and meetings. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Healthy Food and Drink | Positively promote the benefits of healthy eating and healthy drinking to all ages and stages across the community including creating an environment that welcomes and supports breastfeeding at Council facilities. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Healthy Food and Drink | Promote water as the drink of choice and provide drinking water fountains in public areas. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Healthy Food and Drink | Encourage healthy eating within the workplace. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy eating by LG staff | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Healthy Food and Drink | Positively promote the benefits of healthy eating and healthy drinking to all ages and stages across the community including creating an environment that welcomes and supports breastfeeding at Council facilities. | Health and Wellbeing | Breastfeeding | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Healthy Food and Drink | Promote water as the drink of choice and provide drinking water fountains in public areas. | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Healthy Food and Drink Policy | Objectives To facilitate and encourage a healthy food and drink lifestyle for all staff, volunteers and the community through influencing healthier food and drink choices. Scope This policy applies to Council catered meetings and functions, Council owned facilities and events delivered by, or in partnership with Council and events requiring Council approval. Policy Statement Council will promote the importance of a healthy and balanced diet in accordance with The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and the NSW Health Food and Drink Framework and in accordance with the Delivery Program 2017-2021 and Operational Plan 2019-2020 by: Demonstrating healthy food and drink choices at Council catered meetings and functions Council will demonstrate best practice by increasing healthy food and drink choices for all Council catered meetings and functions by aiming for 75% everyday food and drink options and no more than 25% are occasional food and drink options. Promoting and encouraging healthy food and drink choices at Council owned facilities and events delivered by, in partnership with Council or requiring Council approval Council will encourage, promote and support increased healthy food and drink choices at Council owned facilities and events delivered by, or in partnership with Council. Council will encourage community and commercial event organisers to increase the availability and prominence of healthy food and drink choices at events requiring Council approval. Providing clear healthy food and drink guidelines to increase the availability and awareness of healthy food and drink choices. Council will develop and implement Healthy Food and Drink Guidelines to support the Healthy Food and Drink Policy. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | NSW | Campbelltown | Metropolitan |
| Healthy Food and Drink Policy | Council will engage and work cooperatively with staff, volunteers and the community in the development and implementation of initiatives related to the availability and promotion of healthy food and drink options. Council will work with other levels of government to ensure that initiatives related to the availability and promotion of healthy food and drink are planned, funded and delivered in a coordinated and cost effective manner. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | NSW | Campbelltown | Metropolitan |
| HEALTHY FOOD AND DRINKS POLICY | Greater Shepparton City Council recognises and values the importance of healthy eating in promoting people’s health and wellbeing. The Greater Shepparton City Council is committed to creating a health promoting environment which supports employees and visitors to make healthy food and drink choices. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Greater Shepparton | Regional |
| HEALTHY FOOD AND DRINKS POLICY | SCOPE This policy is in line with the Healthy Choices Guidelines which stipulate that wherever food and drink is offered, ≥50% of choices must be from the GREEN category; ≥30% from the AMBER category and ≤20% from the RED category. This policy applies in the areas where foods and drinks are sold or provided to employees and visitors and includes all council-run recreation centres and facilities. This includes: Verve Café – Aquamoves Lakeside Shepparton Shepparton Sports Stadium Kiosk Dig In Café – KidsTown Kiosks located at Council’s Rural Outdoor Pools in Merrigum, Mooroopna and Tatura All catering within council offices (Welsford St and Doyles Road Complex) All vending machines (drinks and foods) in the aforementioned locations Fundraising activities Rewards, incentives, gifts, prizes and giveaways and Advertising, promotion and sponsorship | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Greater Shepparton | Regional |
| HEALTHY FOOD AND DRINKS POLICY | The objectives of this policy are to support: • Employees and visitors in making healthy food and drink choices by: creating a healthy eating culture and environment which supports healthy food and drink choices; increasing availability and promotion of healthier foods and drinks; decreasing availability and promotion of unhealthy foods and drinks; and increasing employee knowledge and skills regarding healthy eating and drinking patterns. • Greater Shepparton City Council in meeting the healthy eating benchmarks of the Achievement Program (applicable to organisations participating in the Achievement Program). | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Greater Shepparton | Regional |
| HEALTHY FOOD AND DRINKS POLICY | SCOPE This policy is in line with the Healthy Choices Guidelines which stipulate that wherever food and drink is offered, ≥50% of choices must be from the GREEN category; ≥30% from the AMBER category and ≤20% from the RED category. This policy applies in the areas where foods and drinks are sold or provided to employees and visitors and includes all council-run recreation centres and facilities. This includes: Verve Café – Aquamoves Lakeside Shepparton Shepparton Sports Stadium Kiosk Dig In Café – KidsTown Kiosks located at Council’s Rural Outdoor Pools in Merrigum, Mooroopna and Tatura All catering within council offices (Welsford St and Doyles Road Complex) All vending machines (drinks and foods) in the aforementioned locations Fundraising activities Rewards, incentives, gifts, prizes and giveaways and Advertising, promotion and sponsorship | Health and Wellbeing | Restrict unhealthy food in vending machines under LG control | Victoria | Greater Shepparton | Regional |
| HEALTHY FOOD AND DRINKS POLICY | SCOPE This policy is in line with the Healthy Choices Guidelines which stipulate that wherever food and drink is offered, ≥50% of choices must be from the GREEN category; ≥30% from the AMBER category and ≤20% from the RED category. This policy applies in the areas where foods and drinks are sold or provided to employees and visitors and includes all council-run recreation centres and facilities. This includes: Verve Café – Aquamoves Lakeside Shepparton Shepparton Sports Stadium Kiosk Dig In Café – KidsTown Kiosks located at Council’s Rural Outdoor Pools in Merrigum, Mooroopna and Tatura All catering within council offices (Welsford St and Doyles Road Complex) All vending machines (drinks and foods) in the aforementioned locations Fundraising activities Rewards, incentives, gifts, prizes and giveaways and Advertising, promotion and sponsorship | Health and Wellbeing | Restrict unhealthy food advertising; increase healthy food promotion | Victoria | Greater Shepparton | Regional |
| HEALTHY FOOD AND DRINKS POLICY | increasing availability and promotion of healthier foods and drinks; decreasing availability and promotion of unhealthy foods and drinks; | Health and Wellbeing | Restrict unhealthy food advertising; increase healthy food promotion | Victoria | Greater Shepparton | Regional |
| HEALTHY FOOD AND DRINKS POLICY | Note: The Sales Yard Café, Eastbank Cafe and Greater Shepparton City Council runevents will be excluded. Healthy options and education will still be provided and promoted. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Greater Shepparton | Regional |
| HEALTHY FOOD AND DRINKS POLICY | The policy does not apply to food and drinks brought from home by employees (for example, birthdays, morning teas or personal fundraising). However, employees are encouraged to consider providing healthy options at all times and to avoid promoting unhealthy fundraising activities (such as chocolate or confectionery drives) in public places, such as kitchens. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy eating by LG staff | Victoria | Greater Shepparton | Regional |
| HEALTHY FOOD AND DRINKS POLICY | increasing employee knowledge and skills regarding healthy eating and drinking patterns. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy eating by LG staff | Victoria | Greater Shepparton | Regional |
| HEALTHY FOOD AND DRINKS POLICY | Note: The Sales Yard Café, Eastbank Cafe and Greater Shepparton City Council runevents will be excluded. Healthy options and education will still be provided and promoted. | Health and Wellbeing | Encourage existing retailers/caterers to sell healthy, sustainable and affordable food | Victoria | Greater Shepparton | Regional |
| HEALTHY FOOD AND DRINKS POLICY | increasing availability and promotion of healthier foods and drinks; decreasing availability and promotion of unhealthy foods and drinks; | Health and Wellbeing | Encourage existing retailers/caterers to sell healthy, sustainable and affordable food | Victoria | Greater Shepparton | Regional |