Supporting a Healthy Environment Through a Food Industry Accord The food environment in Counties Manukau changes to increase healthy food availability and consumption
particularly for families with low incomes and high risk of diabetes. Since April 2004, Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB) and Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) have been working with the Food Industry Group to develop a collaborative approach to implementing the joint objectives of Let’s Beat Diabetes (LBD) and the Food Industry Accord. These objectives include helping to prevent childhood obesity in New Zealand and creating healthier communities with a particular focus on Counties Manukau. This is a new type of relationship, not only in New Zealand but globally, and has already caught the attention of the World Health Organisation. To ensure this relationship is effective, sustainable and meets the needs of the food industry and Health, the food industry and CMDHB have agreed to: - consolidate a Food Industry:Health leadership hub
- co-fund an advocacy position to develop and drive the joint Food Industry Action Area work programme.
The Food Industry Action Area initiatives include: Increased in fruit & vegetable consumption and milk (low fat), decreased in energy dense foods & drinks Implementing the leadership hub work programme. The work programme comprises of four major intiatives to reduce consumption of sweetened soft drinks, to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables and increase consumption of milk (with an emphasis on the lighter lower fat versions), and to reduce the consumption of energy dense foods. Healthier food choices at point of purchase The Food Industry action area is working to promote healthier food choices at the point of purchase through retail outlets and is working on education and communication programmes to change consumer behaviour towards healthy choices.
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