Healthy Catering Guide 2026 (A4) - Flipbook - Page 5
About the Healthy Choices guidelines
To support healthy eating in all public health service workplaces, the
Victorian Government announced a refreshed policy directive. All catering
(food and drinks) provided to staff and visitors (including catering ordered
through in-house or commercial providers) must align with the Healthy
choices: Workplace healthy eating policy and catering guide. No food or
drinks classified 8red9 can be provided, and the majority of food and drinks
provided must be classified 8green9. Caterers must now comply with these
guidelines when providing catering to a public health service.
The menus in this guide have been assessed through the Healthy Eating
Advisory Services online 8Foodchecker9 tool. In line with guidelines, only food
and drinks meeting the green and amber classifications have been included.
We recognise that nutritional needs are diverse for individuals, including
culturally-diverse groups, and that these classifications of food groups are a
very western interpretation of nutritional needs.
The Healthy Choices guidelines classify food and drinks into three categories
according to their nutritional value:
GREEN category food and drinks include items that are nutritious and offer a
variety of necessary vitamins and minerals for everyday function. They are
good sources of important nutrients and lower in added fats, sugars and salt.
Examples include: water, wholegrain/wheat breads and cereals, fruit and
vegetables, reduced-fat dairy products, lean meat and poultry, fish, eggs,
nuts and seeds.
AMBER category foods and drinks should be selected carefully and consumed
in moderation. Although these items provide some valuable nutrients, they
can contribute to moderate amounts of fats, added sugar or salt. Examples
include: regular fat milk, yoghurt and cheese, dried fruit and some fruit juices.
RED category foods and drinks are often low in nutrients and are high in
sugar, added fats or salt and should be enjoyed on rare occasions. Examples
include: deep fried foods, lollies, chocolates, cakes, processed meats e.g.
salami, pastries and soft drinks.
You can read more about these guidelines on page 7 by following the links.
Greater Bendigo Healthy Catering Guide | 5
