Healthy food push

Rockingham Peel Group has affirmed its commitment to supporting the existing Healthy Options WA Policy after Health Minister Roger Cook’s announcement of a junk food crackdown in State hospitals last month.

Inclusive of Rockingham General Hospital and Murray District Hospital, the group aims for its health service centres to meet the policy guidelines of at least 50 per cent green and no more than 20 per cent red food and drinks.

A spokesman said the group’s healthier workplace committee and South Metropolitan Health Services Health Promotion continued to work with cafe managers and vending machine suppliers to address and meet the guideline standard.

“We support outpatients, visitors and staff to make healthier choices by promoting and increasing access to affordable, nutritious and tasty food and drinks relative to energy-dense nutrient-poor options,” he said.

“We aim to maintain and improve the health of staff and the broader community by providing health care environments that support and model nutritious and healthy eating options.”