Food

Alpine Health is supporting the delivery of Vic Kids Eat Well across the Alpine Shire. Vic Kids Eat Well is a state-wide movement focused on improving the food and drink environments where kids spend their time. This includes schools, outside school hours care, sports clubs and community facilities. Vic Kids Eat Well is supported by the Victorian Government and is delivered by Cancer Council Victoria, in partnership with Nutrition Australia’s Healthy Eating Advisory Service.

Case Study: Bright P-12 College Adds Tasty and Nutritious Options to Their Menu - Vic Kids Eat Well

The Healthy Choices: policy directive for Victorian public health services has been mandated by the Victorian Government. It outlines criteria for the foods and drinks that are sold, provided and promoted at public hospitals and health services. Alpine Health met the policy directive in 2023 and continues to review the foods and drinks available to staff, volunteers and visitors to maintain compliance. View the Healthy Choices Case Study.

Photo: Alpine Health continues to meet the Victorian Government Healthy choices policy directive in 2025. Left to Right: Bronwyn Gray (Operational Director of Allied Health), Holly Zlatic (Health Promotion Officer)

A food security needs assessment was conducted to understand current barriers and supports in the Alpine Shire. The findings indicate that a range of approaches are necessary to address food insecurity at a local level. The recommendations from this assessment are used to inform the design of place-based strategies to guide future action in this space. View the full Alpine Food Security Needs Assessment Report.

Alpine Health coordinates the Alpine Food Security Network. This network is comprised of key stakeholders involved in community food initiatives and food relief services across the Alpine region. The purpose of the group is to support information sharing and collaboration on local food security initiatives. 

Health Promotion Practitioners at Monash Health have developed a Nutrition Resource Pack (NRP) for early years services. The NRP is designed to support educators with providing play-based food education activities for children under five years of age, helping children to become familiar with a wide variety of foods. Monash Health has supported Alpine Health to offer the NRP to early years services in the Alpine Shire. Find out more about it on the Monash Health website: Launch of the Nutrition Resource Pack for Early Years Services | Monash Health

Alpine Health, Alpine Shire Council, Mount Beauty Primary School and Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre have worked in partnership to deliver an intergenerational gardening program. The program aims to increase social connection and belonging, while improving skills and confidence around food growing. All ages are welcome to participate, and no prior gardening experience is needed.

Photo: The intergenerational gardening program site at Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre