Nine ways local governments design healthy and sustainable food environments

Local governments can positively influence the local food environment through:

1. Partnerships - develop strong relationships with key stakeholders, organisations and government to strengthen the local food system; facilitate urban food production and community-supported agriculture
2. Public spaces and facilities - ensure healthy food and drink options are available for staff and visitors in public spaces and facilities managed by local government; promote healthy options in retail food outlets
3. Regulation and planning - support local food production through the local planning scheme; assist food businesses with regulatory compliance; preserve productive agricultural lands
4. Waste education and recycling - educate the community to avoid, reduce and recycle waste
5. Economic development - promote local products, regional producers and farmers’ markets
6. Community development - support community groups and organisations to increase community capacity and individual skills to grow and prepare foods
7. Education and information - provide information and support development of skills through communication tools and educators
8. Service delivery - provide contracted services to support eligible clients with a nutritious home delivered meal
9. Data and evidence - gather information to support decision-making on the local food system and associated challenges.

Designing a healthy and sustainable local food environment