VicHealth welcomes and strongly applauds the leadership and commitment of the Victorian State Government for delivering new nutrition and quality food standards that will see Victorian patients and residential aged care residents access higher quality and more culturally-diverse and locally-sourced meals.
By introducing these new standards, the Victorian Government continues to support and advocate for healthy, diverse and locally-grown diets for Victorians.
VicHealth CEO Dr Sandro Demaio welcomed the new food standards that will be finalised and put in place by the end of this year.
"This is fantastic news for the health and wellbeing of Victorians. The new standards for hospitals and aged care in Victoria recognise the important role food plays supporting physical and emotional wellbeing. Good food is crucial in supporting healthy ageing and optimal recovery for Victorians," Dr Demaio said.
"This bold and important move will provide significant benefit for patients and older people, their families and communities across our state. It will support our frontline workers, young Victorians and our farmers and food producers."
The key focus of the new food standards are:
- Ensuring greater access to more culturally diverse meals, such as kosher or halal food
- Providing special nutrition standards that meet the needs of young Victorian patients
- Supporting Victorian farmers and producers
- Requiring vending machines and in-house managed cafes to meet healthy food and drink guidelines
