A group of local cafes have committed to serving healthy food by signing up to our ‘Healthy Bites’ program.
Food businesses which are part of the program must offer at least three healthy choice menu items, all marked with the Healthy Bites apple sticker on the menu. These options are low in saturated fat and salt and high in fibre.
Healthy Bites helps consumers make easy, quick and convenient healthy food choices when they are eating out in Cardinia Shire. The apple sticker shows them the way.
With obesity and related illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease on the rise, we are committed to delivering initiatives to help residents live healthier lifestyles.
Healthy Bites helps to do this by improving access to healthy food and educating residents on the importance of making better food choices. The program has also prompted two of the cafes to introduce smoke free outdoor dining.
The program was launched in response to our community demand survey conducted in December and January 2013–14. Of 300 local residents surveyed, 70 percent wanted to see healthier options available in cafes and restaurants and 82 per cent said they would be more likely to buy from a restaurant or cafe with healthy food options.
Healthy Bites is funded by the Australian Government and delivered in partnership with Healthy Together Cardinia Shire and Monash Health Community.
To find out more about the program, or how your Cardinia Shire business can participate, contact our Health Promotion team on 1300 787 624.
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