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The Victorian Food
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EDUCATION FOR HEALTHY EATING
Success in improving dietary habits has been limited by a range of complicated and confusing messages about food, nutrition and health to which the public are exposed. These messages are conveyed by the media, food producers, processors and retailers and health professionals. Clearer messages about food and nutrition can be achieved by these groups working together to increase the effectiveness of nutrition education.
Dietary messages need to be based not only on the nutrition sciences, but also reflect the results of consumer-based research and sound educational principles. Knowledge based on this research can be integrated into the range of education and training programs for those who will provide nutrition information to the public. It would be beneficial for those providing expert nutritional advice, training and education to work closely together. Consensus on important nutrition issues will strengthen leadership and advocacy on food and nutrition issues within the community.
Access to accurate and appropriate nutritional advice by the public can be improved by better coordination across a range of professional groups such as dietitians, medical practitioners, nurses and teachers.
Community Services, hospitality and tourism industries have important roles in providing healthy food choices. This requires knowledge and skills in applying nutrition principles to the provision of healthy menus.
Nutrition Goal: To increase nutrition knowledge and awareness in all sectors responsible for educating consumers and providing healthy food choices.
The key issues which need to be addressed are:
Lack of Nutrition Knowledge in many public sectors, including
health, education, hospitality and community services.
Limited Access to Nutrition Expertise by the community
Conflicting Nutrition Messages and claims about food.
The Priorities for Action are:
- To incorporate nutrition principles into competency development and core curricula in schools, and in professional and industry training and to increase the nutritional proficiency of those giving dietary advice to the community;
- To increase the level of access to nutrition expertise by the Victorian community;
- To cultivate increased awareness of nutrition and dietary issues in food producers to assist the development and promotion of healthy, desirable food products;
- To support initiatives, including research, which provide clear, concise and accurate messages about food and healthy eating.
