Food Systems
Food systems refer to all the elements and activities related to producing and consuming food and their impacts, including economic, health and environmental. With the City of Melton’s growing population, the food system is facing many challenges, including ensuring everyone has enough nutritious food to eat, and that the food chain is sustainable and resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Council is working across a range of areas with community organisations in the City of Melton to strengthen efforts in this space.
If you are struggling to access food for yourself or your family or you are experiencing financial crisis, please head to Council’s Food Relief webpage for a list of local agencies who can help.
Eating for Nourishment
Eating a wide variety of delicious, colourful foods from every food group, with a focus on vegetables, fruit and whole grains is important for overall mental, social and physical health and wellbeing. It is important to remember that ALL foods help nourish your body and mind.
The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating provides a visual representation of the proportion of the five food groups recommended to help your body and brain function. However, this is just a general guide and does not reflect unique nutrition and medical needs for all people or how people may eat every day. Please note that the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating contains mainly Westernised food and does not reflect the diverse array of nourishing foods enjoyed by all communities and cultural groups living in the City of Melton.
Resources
Check out these resources for more information for you and your family on easy ways to incorporate a range of nourishing foods in your diet:
From Starting Solids to Cooking for the Whole Family
Are you a new parent looking to introduce your baby to solid foods? Are you looking for toddler friendly recipes the whole family will enjoy? Our brand-new cookbook, From Starting Solids to Cooking for the Whole Family, is now available!
This easy-to-follow book is packed with useful information, including:
- which foods to introduce to your baby first
- which foods to avoid
- how to introduce common allergen foods
- how to prevent choking
- tips for picky eaters.
Plus, discover simple and delicious recipes shared by families in the City of Melton - perfect not only for babies, but the whole family!
The book is available in English, Burmese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Punjabi and Swahili. For the digital cookbook in your language, go to From Starting Solids to Cooking for the Whole Family Melton City Council
Six in Six Cookbook
The 'Six in Six' cookbook provides affordable and delicious recipes designed for smaller households.
Download the Six in Six cooking program cookbook(PDF, 2MB)
Heart Foundation Heart Healthy Recipes
Healthy Eating for Parents
Better Health Channel
Head to the Melton Learning Directory to explore a range of free and low-cost cooking classes for all ages and abilities.
Melton Food Systems Collective
Melton City Council is working with local service providers to establish the Melton Food Systems Collective that aims to:
- build better food systems in the local area
- improve food insecurity
- reduce barriers to accessing nutritious and affordable food.
Council will support this work with a long-term approach that focuses on:
- understanding food relief needs in the City of Melton
- developing programs for preventing food insecurity and reducing the need for food relief
- developing a shared vision and coordinated approach for broader impact
- addressing barriers faced by vulnerable population groups.
Further work is to come in this space that will involve Melton-specific research into the current food system and the development of a strategic action plan to guide ongoing efforts.
Stay up to date with local food related activities by following Healthy City of Melton Facebook page.
For more information on food systems in the City of Melton, contact our Community Health Promotion team via email: socialplanningprojects@melton.vic.gov.au or call 9747 7200.