Healthy Loddon Campaspe, a state government-funded initiative, unveiled the Flourish regional food system framework, targeting the Campaspe Shire and six other government areas to enhance health outcomes and sustainability.
The framework, launched on Thursday June 13, aims at create a sustainable regional food system across Northern Victoria and put local agricultural businesses at the forefront of the community.
The framework also covers Greater Bendigo, Central Goldfields, Loddon, Macedon Ranges, and Mount Alexander shires.
Research conducted during the development of Flourish highlighted several key insights about the local food system.
Over 90 per cent of the region's land is dedicated to agriculture, contributing more than $1.6 billion to the regional economy.
Despite this, much of the locally produced food is exported out of the region.
The area boasts over 15 farmers' and growers' markets, 32 Stephanie Alexander School Kitchen Gardens, and numerous other school and early learning kitchen gardens.
However, only 19 per cent of females and seven per cent of males in the region meet the recommended vegetable consumption guidelines.
Those who do meet these guidelines report better general health, weight, and life satisfaction.
The Flourish framework envisions a vibrant and sustainable regional food system that prioritises community and country, promoting health, equity, and resilience.
It identifies five main objectives:
- Build food movements across the region to generate change.
- Expand ecological farming principles to improve landscape health.
- Improve farmland access and protection to diversify the food system.
- Re-design community food environments to prioritise healthy, seasonal, and culturally appropriate foods.
- Grow food system knowledge to reconnect people with healthy food.
VicHealth chief executive, Dr Sandro Demaio, praised the initiative, and said everyone deserves access to healthy, sustainable and culturally appropriate food.
“It's inspiring to see such comprehensive research and inspiring community engagement driving positive change. I can’t wait to see this vibrant and important initiative come to life,” Dr Demaio said.
Loddon Shire Council chief executive and Healthy Loddon Campaspe Regional Steering Group chairperson, Lincoln Fitzgerald, emphasised the comprehensive process behind Flourish, which included significant background analysis, co-design workshops, and an Equity Impact Assessment.
"We’re excited to now move to the next stage, which will build on the amazing work already underway in the region," Mr Fitzgerald said.
Flourish aims to act as an advocacy tool and influence future place-based actions, recognising that transforming the food system requires broad, collaborative, and innovative engagement from various organisations, community groups, and individuals.
To find out more information, you can read the full Flourish report at www.healthyloddoncampaspe.au/flourish
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