On a healthy course

SEVEN food stores across Cardinia have been added to the list of businesses that have pledged to help create a healthier community.
Cafes from across the area have joined the Healthy Bites program and helped it to double in size.
These cafes have joined five others which made a commitment to serving healthy food and providing healthy options on their menu.The new businesses include the Blacksmith Cafe (Bunyip), Cafe Moka (Beaconsfield), Carv’n It Up (Officer), Chandelier Cafe (Kooweerup), Charlottes on Main (Gembrook), Four Figs (Beaconsfield) and Impodimo Cafe (Garfield).
As a result of joining, these businesses must have at least three items on their menu which meet the healthy criteria. These items can be recognised by a Healthy Bites sticker – items are low in saturated fat and salt, and high in fibre.
Cardinia Shire Council’s Health Promotion officer Steph Ashby said it was important that local people had healthy options available.
“There are limited choices available to Cardinia Shire residents who want healthy options when eating at cafes and restaurants,” she said.
“Healthy Bites aims to give residents a healthy alternative, so they know they can get nutritious food when eating out.”
“The program also helps food businesses be more socially responsible and offer new ways to reach health conscious customers. With obesity and related illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease on the rise, Council is committed to delivering initiatives to help residents live healthier lifestyles.”
Healthy Bites is delivered in partnership with Healthy Together Cardinia Shire and Monash Health Community. Healthy Together Cardinia Shire is improving the health of Victorians, funded by the Victorian Government.