Healthy eating

Eating a variety of healthy foods is the key to a well-balanced diet and good nutrition. It keeps our bodies working well and helps prevent diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

What do our health stats tell us?

• 35 per cent of our adults are overweight or obese and 6 per cent are diagnosed with diabetes type 2.
• 6 per cent of our adult population eat enough vegetables and 45 per cent of our adults eat enough fruit.
• 14 per cent of our residents eat take-away meals/snacks at least three times a week.

What can I do?

• Plan your grocery shopping before you hit the supermarket shelves so you don't get distracted by unhealthy choices.
• Keep a range of fresh, healthy snacks at hand that are easy to grab when you're on the go, such as whole fruit, veggie sticks or low fat cheese cubes.
• A great way to pack in lots of veggies is with a hearty soup - they make for great leftovers and can freeze well too.
• Get to know your local green grocer or market to find out what's in season.
• Take the time to enjoy your meals by switching off screens and social media.
• Support breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is known to provide nutrition and strengthening the immune system. Read more about breastfeeding. 
• Encourage your early learning centre or school to sign up for the Pleasurable Food Education Package from the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation.
• Join our Food Know How program, which guides you on better food planning, shopping and storing.

Growing food yourself

Join the free My Smart Garden program for free events and resources to help you grow food, shelter your home the sun and wind, create homes for local wildlife, use water wisely and recycle waste.

You'll also find out about community gardens, and local composting schemes.

Have you been sick after eating at a local food business?

Report your concerns about an unhygienic food business, food contamination or if you have food poisoning symptoms.