Updates from previous months

March 2006

Interventions/InitiativesProgress Update
4.1 Consolidating a leadership structure and action agenda for the food industry: health sector joint initiative in Counties Manukau

Food: Health Joint Initiative Group consolidated. Group to be comprised of members from the two sectors.

Detailed action agenda for 2005/06 agreed. Joint Initiative Group is accountable for co-funded advocacy position.

 

Work in Progress.

4.2 Co-funding of an advocacy position to develop and implement the joint Food: Health work programme

Person employed to develop detailed strategy and implement specific projects, as defined by the Joint Initiative Group. Strategy to include high-level strategic initiatives as well as local initiatives such as working with ARPHS and MCC to improve fast food cooking practices and environments; and supporting the vulnerable families action area of LBD.

4.2.1 Soft Drinks Programme (LBD 4.3 - 4.4; 7.9)

Objective
To achieve a reduction in the consumption of full- sugar sweetened soft drinks by encouraging the conversion to less energy-dense alternatives (LBD 4.3 - 4.4; 7.9).

Strategies
 Undertake a high profile trial involving Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB), McDonald's and Coca-Cola to increase the availability of sugar-free soft drink products in McDonald's restaurants, and actively promote the benefits associated with their selection over full- sugar options. If the trial is deemed successful, plan the progressive substitution or addition of other low-energy variants.
 Use the McDonald's experience to promote the adoption of the concept in other Quick Service Retailers (QSRs).
 Use the initiative in the QSR sector as a catalyst to encourage retail outlets (primarily supermarkets and outlets around school environments) to give greater prominence to low energy soft drinks options through merchandising weight and possibly differential pricing.
 Work with the respective QSRs to develop and implement evaluation mechanisms to measure the success of the programme. These measurements may include but not be limited to: changes to product mix in soft drink sales in trial restaurants, customer feedback, and pre/post measurement of soft drink purchase mix following merchandising and pricing trials (Scantrak).
 Ensure progress updates and findings of the evaluations are forwarded to the Food:Health Joint Initiative Group (JIG)² to help inform future planning.

Key partners
- JIG, Food Industry Group (FIG) signatories particularly McDonalds and Coca-Cola.

Key linkages
- LBD 1.2 - 1.6; action area 2; action area 4; 5:2 - 5:4; action area 6; action area 7; 8.3 & 8.5; 9.4 & 9:5; 10.6 - 10.10; and the evaluation.

4.2.2 White Milk Programme

Objective
To create a retail environment that actively encourages customers to purchase lower-fat white milk in preference to the full-fat product.

Strategies
 Review existing dairy industry plans in terms of influencing a move towards lower-fat milk products.
 In consultation with dairy producers and distributors, develop a plan around appropriate changes to the marketing mix (particularly pricing, merchandising and promotion) to encourage conversion to lower-fat milk.
 Discuss changes and gain acceptance from key retailers in the Counties Manukau area to trial the programme.
 Work with the key retailers to develop and implement evaluation mechanisms to measure the success of the programmes. These measurements may include but not be limited to: product mix shifts in the monitored retail outlets (Scantrak).
 Ensure progress updates and findings of the evaluations are forwarded to JIG to help inform future planning.

Key partners
- JIG, FIG signatories particularly dairy producers and distributors.

Key linkages
- LBD 1.2 - 1.6; action area 2; action area 4; 5.2 - 5.4; action area 6; action area 7; 8.3 & 8.5; 9.4 - 9.5; 10.6 - 10.10; and the evaluation.

4.2.3 Healthy Kai project (LBD 4.5)

Objective
To review and provide recommendations to JIG and Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) as to the future direction of the "Healthy Kai" project (LBD 4.5).

Strategies
 Desk research of existing programme review.
 Update position with key stakeholders and customers.
 Review options (continue, modify, abandon or replace) and make recommendations
 Work with key stakeholders to implement agreed recommendations.
 Work with key stakeholders to develop and implement evaluation mechanisms to measure the success of the programme.
 Ensure progress updates and findings of the evaluations are forwarded to JIG and key stakeholders to help inform future planning.

Key partners
- JIG, FIG signatories, ARPHS.

Key linkages
- LBD 1.2 - 1.6; action area 2; action area 4; 5.2 - 5.4; action area 6; action area 7; 8.3 & 8.5; 9.4 & 9.5; 10.6 - 10.10; and the evaluation.

4.2.4 Healthy Food Parcels (LBD 4.5; 9.5)

Objective
To explore ways in which the food industry can assist food parcel providers to offer healthy, well balanced and nutritious products for the most vulnerable families in the district (LBD 4.5; 9.5).

Strategies:
 Meet with key food parcel providers and review current system.
 Determine changes in terms of product mix to improve overall nutrition.
 Canvas identified manufacturers/ importers/ suppliers to determine their ability to assist with appropriate product(s).
 Develop an action plan forward and support its implementation.

Key partners
- JIG, FIG signatories, Ministry of Social Development (MSD), ARPHS and social service providers.

Key linkages
- LBD 1.2 - 1.6; action area 2; action area 4; 5.2 - 5.4; action area 6; action area 8; action area 9; 10.6 - 10.10; and the evaluation.

4.2.5 Healthy Canteen Business Model Pilot (LBD 7.7)

Objective
To provide practical advice, support and assistance to the ‘Healthy Canteen Pilot' being trialled at Tangaroa College so as to ensure it achieves its goals (LBD 7.7). Advice, support and assistance to include the sourcing, merchandising, pricing and promotion of a healthier school canteen menu.

Strategies
 With the service provider work to create an "ideal" menu for the pilot school and assist in the sourcing of "healthier" options for both meals and snacks.
 Assist in researching the appeal of any proposed menu items.
 Develop "combo" meal packages that will encourage and reward healthier purchases, while still providing flexibility of choice.
 Review pricing elements to reflect favorably on healthier choices.
 Assist in the creation of menu and pricing boards to effectively merchandise the new meal and snack range.
 Work with the service provider to develop and implement evaluation mechanisms to measure the success of the pilot.
 Ensure progress updates and findings of the evaluation are forwarded to JIG to help inform future planning.

Key partners
- JIG, FIG signatories, Diabetes Projects Trust (DPT), NEW/AIMHI, Tangaroa College

Key linkages
- LBD 1.2 - 1.5; action area 2; action area 4; 5.2-5.4; action area 7; and the evaluation.

4.2.6 Healthy, Active Workplaces (LBD 1.6)

Objective
To support LBD's healthy, active workplace initiative by encouraging food industry employers to enroll and participate in the workplace programme - the "Heartbeat Challenge" or HBC (LBD 1.6).

Strategies
 Review the HBC and identify any possible gaps and/or barriers that may impact on the food industry sector's participation in the programme; and provide recommendations to address these.
 Present the review to CMDHB and ARPHS for consideration and endorsement.
 Provide advice, support and assistance to ARPHS in the promotion of the programme to food industry employers when/as required.

Key partners
- JIG, FIG signatories, ARPHS.

Key linkages
- LBD action area 2; action area 4; 5.2 - 5.4; and the evaluation.

4.2.7 Social Marketing Programme (LBD 2.4 - 2.5)

Objective
To provide marketing expertise and resources to the development and implementation of LBD's social marketing and communications strategy so as to ensure it achieves its goals (LBD 2.4 - 2.5).

Strategies
 Provide advice and support to the providers responsible for developing and implementing LBD's social marketing and communications strategy when/as required.
 Provide access to other experienced food industry marketers, planners and researchers to assist in the strategy development
 Encourage appropriate food industry partners' support to social marketing activity.

Key partners
- JIG, FIG signatories, social marketing providers.

Key linkages
- All LBD action areas; and the evaluation.

4.2.8 HealthPoints

Objective
To evaluate the feasibility and possible mechanics of a card or stamps based system to reward healthier retail (food initially) purchases.

Strategies
 Discuss concept and potential for trial with potential partners (healthcare providers, reward companies).
 Establish project team to undertake initial feasibility.
 Present feasibility report to JIG for consideration by Aug 2006.

Key partners
- JIG, FIG signatories.

Key linkages
- LBD 1.2 - 1.6; action area 2; action area 4; 5.2 - 5.4; action area 6; action area 8; action area 9; 10.6 - 10.10; and the evaluation.

4.2.9 Communications on Initiatives

Objectives
To explore ways in which the community of Counties Manukau can be informed on and kept up to date on food industry initiatives that support improved health outcomes.

Strategies
 Present strategy to JIG for consideration by April 2006.
 Implement agreed recommendations from May 2006.

Key partners
- JIG, FIG signatories.

Key linkages
- All LBD action areas; and the evaluation.

 

CMDHB:
Work ongoing in this area

 

 

 

Trial results being evaluated by McDonald's and SoPH

 

Approaches made to Burger King, Subway. Yet to contact Restaurant Brands

 

Seeking retail partner for merchandising trial

 


Evaluation protocol has been developed by SoPH

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meeting with Fonterra to review options 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Participating in internal review of the programme with Rob Muller and Louise McCarthy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key meeting have been concluded.

Nutritional evaluation of current parcels completed.
Proposal for central distribution system tabled

 

 

 

 

 

  

Tuck shop trial at Tangaroa now open in new premises. Healthier foods are now been sold. Financial consideration been looked at to see the viability of the tuck shop.
Advertising of the food is being looked at.
Combo meal options are being discussed and also pre ordering of these meals.

Initial results in terms of uptake of new menu is positive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working with ARPHS own internal review.
Review meeting with LBD leadership by the end of this month
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Review all phases of the proposed programme with SM team, ThinkSpace and FCB

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work in Progress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australian Food and Grocery Council model for web site presented to food industry partners for consideration

4.3 Supporting fast food chains to make non sugar drinks the default drink option

LBD will continue to work with a major fast food to ensure its ‘non sugar drinks as the default drink option’ policy is implemented.

Refer McDonald's initiative

4.4 Supporting schools drinks initiative

LBD will continue to work with drinks suppliers to reduce the uptake of sugar drinks in schools and their surrounding environments.

Refer Tangaroa College initiative

4.5 Ensuring the Food Industry supports local health promoting initiatives such as the ‘Healthy Kai’ initiative, food parcels, and the work of health hygiene and environment inspectors

LBD will work to develop direct linkages between the Food Industry and local health promoting initiatives such as the ‘Healthy Kai’ initiative, food parcels and health hygiene and environment inspectors to ensure collaboration and enhanced health outcomes.

 

Work in Progress.

 

 December 2005

Interventions/InitiativesProgress Update
4.1 Consolidating a leadership structure and action agenda for the food industry: health sector joint initiative in Counties Manukau

Food: Health Joint Initiative Group consolidated. Group to be comprised of members from the two sectors.

Detailed action agenda for 2005/06 agreed. Joint Initiative Group is accountable for co-funded advocacy position.

 

JIG meeting held on 30 November. 

JIG considered the draft detailed action plan/work programme for 2005/06 presented by Brian Weaver. It agreed to 7 of 9 proposed initiatives, with Brian to ‘work up' the remaining two. JIG currently prioritising the initiatives so Brian can allocate his time accordingly.

4.2 Co-funding of an advocacy position to develop and implement the joint Food: Health work programme

Person employed to develop detailed strategy and implement specific projects, as defined by the Joint Initiative Group. Strategy to include high-level strategic initiatives as well as local initiatives such as working with ARPHS and MCC to improve fast food cooking practices and environments; and supporting the vulnerable families action area of LBD.

 

As per 4.1

4.3 Supporting fast food chains to make non sugar drinks the default drink option

LBD will continue to work with a major fast food to ensure its ‘non sugar drinks as the default drink option' policy is implemented.

Included in detailed action plan/work programme for 2005/06.

McDonald's programme in Counties Manukau launched Dec 6, 2005. Next step to work to encourage other restaurants to trial.

4.4 Supporting schools drinks initiative

LBD will continue to work with drinks suppliers to reduce the uptake of sugar drinks in schools and their surrounding environments.

Included in detailed action plan/work programme for 2005/06 as extension of 4.3, and as part of 7.7 (the Health Canteen Tuckshop menu).

4.5 Ensuring the Food Industry supports local health promoting initiatives such as the ‘Healthy Kai' initiative, food parcels, and the work of health hygiene and environment inspectors

LBD will work to develop direct linkages between the Food Industry and local health promoting initiatives such as the ‘Healthy Kai' initiative, food parcels and health hygiene and environment inspectors to ensure collaboration and enhanced health outcomes.

 

Included in detailed action plan/work programme for 2005/06.

 

October 2005

Interventions/InitiativesProgress Update
4.1 Consolidating a leadership structure and action agenda for the food industry: health sector joint initiative in Counties Manukau

Food: Health Joint Initiative Group consolidated. Group to be comprised of members from the two sectors.

Detailed action agenda for 2005/06 agreed. Joint Initiative Group is accountable for co-funded advocacy position.

 

Joint Advisory Group operational.

4.2 Co-funding of an advocacy position to develop and implement the joint Food: Health work programme

Person employed to develop detailed strategy and implement specific projects, as defined by the Joint Initiative Group. Strategy to include high-level strategic initiatives as well as local initiatives such as working with ARPHS and MCC to improve fast food cooking practices and environments; and supporting the vulnerable families action area of LBD.

 

Co-funding agreed. Brian Weaver appointed to position.

4.3 Supporting fast food chains to make non sugar drinks the default drink option

LBD will continue to work with a major fast food to ensure its ‘non sugar drinks as the default drink option’ policy is implemented.

 

To be included in 4.2

4.4 Supporting schools drinks initiative

LBD will continue to work with drinks suppliers to reduce the uptake of sugar drinks in schools and their surrounding environments.

 

To be included in 4.2

4.5 Ensuring the Food Industry supports local health promoting initiatives such as the ‘Healthy Kai’ initiative, food parcels, and the work of health hygiene and environment inspectors

LBD will work to develop direct linkages between the Food Industry and local health promoting initiatives such as the ‘Healthy Kai’ initiative, food parcels and health hygiene and environment inspectors to ensure collaboration and enhanced health outcomes.

 

To be included in 4.2


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