A greater range of healthy food and drink options will soon become available across Hunter New England Health facilities.

The number of healthy options in vending machines, staff cafeterias and kiosks will be increased as part of a NSW Health policy directive for all area health services across the state.

Called ‘Healthier Choices’ - the initiative uses a traffic light classifications system, similar to school canteens that classifies ‘commercial ready to eat’ food and drinks as Green, Amber or Red. Green being the healthiest items and Red being the least healthy items.

The ‘Healthier Choices initiative will be implemented in more than 100 vending machines and 13 food and drink outlets spread out across 24 different HNE Health facilities.

According to HNE Health dietitian Nicole Pond vending machines, staff cafeterias and kiosks will start working towards minimising unhealthy Red products to no more than 20 percent of their ‘ready to eat’ food and drinks.

The policy will also support an increased availability of green and amber food and drinks for people to choose from. Changes start from 1 July and will be made gradually over a two-year period.

“It is important to note that no food and drinks will be banned and some ‘red; items such as soft drinks, lollies, chips and chocolate will still be available,” Ms Pond said.

"The initiative is about providing greater access to healthier foods and drinks for staff and visitors to health facilities, and about making it easier to identify the healthier choices.”
 
"Health facilities are well placed to role model positive lifestyle habits. By increasing the number of healthier options and promoting these options we can help make healthier choices the easy choice for our staff and visitors,” Ms Pond said.

“A telephone survey conducted by HNE Health in 2007 suggested the community agrees that health services are ideal settings to promote good nutrition with approximately 90 per cent of residents agreeing that food outlets on health service sites should include mostly healthy items.” 

A nutritionist will be assisting with the changes to vending and food and drink outlets.

“We will also be providing additional support to the hospital auxiliaries and volunteers to ensure that their valuable work can still be achieved while assisting with the implementation of ‘Healthier Choices’, ” Ms Pond assured.

Contact: Tanya Carlyle

Phone: (02)49 392 602