The Department of Health has unveiled a new five-year plan which brings all nine Government Departments together to ensure Victorian children and young people are strong, healthy and well from their earliest years.
Announced by the Minister for Health, Martin Foley, the Department’s Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures Plan aims to help children and young people thrive through the promotion of healthy eating and active lifestyles.
“Central to the Plan is ensuring good health and wellbeing is available to all, regardless of postcode, gender or cultural background,” Mr Foley said.
“The Plan focuses on keeping children and young people healthy from their earliest years, because we know that a healthy start is key to children reaching their potential and living happy and fulfilling lives,” he said.
“The Plan will ensure children, young people and families are supported to be healthy and raise healthy children with increased access to healthy food, more opportunities to be active and focus on mental wellbeing.”
Mr Foley said the Plan covered four priority areas: Increasing healthy food and drink; boosting community action; supporting children and families; and increasing active living opportunities.
The Minister said one key initiative was Vic Kids Eat Well, a new program to support schools and community settings to make simple, healthy food changes.
“Healthy Kids Advisors will also provide hands-on support for healthy eating in select communities – with joint funding from the Commonwealth Government,” he said.
Mr Foley said the Public Health and Wellbeing Inter-Departmental Committee, which includes members from all nine Government Departments, had overseen the development of the Plan and would oversee its rollout.
The 31-page Plan can be accessed at this PS News link.
