A healthy food environment in ECECs is one that is positive, nutritious, safe and equitable
Quick links
Positive: practices such as never pressuring children to eat foods, avoiding shame-inducing language around foods and bodies, staff role-modelling positive eating practices and enjoying nutritious foods.
Nutritious: foods provided meet the nutritional needs of children in their care (e.g. food provided is consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines); children are exposed to, a variety of food from all five food groups.
Safe: safe food handling legislation and practices are followed; children are provided foods which are free from harmful bacteria; food allergen risks are minimised, and staff have understand food safety and allergen management and complete relevant training.
Equitable: all children have the right to a healthy food environment and receive the varying levels of support required to achieve this.
Food Foundations subscription
Your gateway to unlimited resources, tools and training for the Early Childhood Education & Care settings. Your subscription helps ECECs to stay informed and provides resources, support and professional development.
Learn MoreFood safety, including food allergy
Everyone working with food has a personal responsibility to handle food safely. Poor food safety can have serious consequences. Following good food safety practices and developing a positive food safety culture is the best way to ensure the food supplied is safe.
Learn MorePolicies / Guidelines
Having specific policies around the food and drinks provided at your centre can help your staff feel supported in decision-making processes.
Learn MoreUniting people through
healthy eating.
We have thousands of useful resources.
Choose your organisation setting to get started!