The LGA introduced an internal healthy catering policy in October 2011.   Introduction of the policy is an outcome of collaboration with the Heart Foundation (SA) as part of its "Creating Healthy Communities" framework.  That framework has a key strategy to influence healthy food provision within Local Government environments.  The Heart Foundation formed a working party consisting of representatives from the LGA, the Department of Health, OPAL and the Flinders University's Healthy Eating Local Policies Program to develop a model policy.  Several Councils also participated in the development of the model policy (ie Unley, Onkaparinga, Playford, TTG, Salisbury and  Copper Coast).  

The Heart Foundation will be convening a Healthy Catering Forum on 1 December and Mayors/Chairs/CEOs and relevant Council staff are invited to attend.  The LGA will be providing feedback at that Forum on the introduction and use of its own internal policy.   

It is proposed that the LGA's policy will then provide a model template for adaptation by Councils who embrace this initiative.

A copy of the Heart Foundation's invitation to the Form in December is available via this Circular:  healthy catering invitation 011211 (148 kb).  RSVPs should be directed to tuesday.udell@heartfoundation.org.au.   (The Heart Foundation has also sent invitations direct to Councils).

To view resource documents and information about healthy catering visit www.lga.sa.gov.au/goto/healthycatering.