Food First in the West brings fresh fruit and veg to communities

The Western Public Health Unit (WPHU), along with 14 other partners, is pleased to announce that Food First in the West has officially marked its launch.  

Food First in the West aims to build a fairer, more affordable food system that supports people’s health and wellbeing.  

The initiative uses several ways, like helping long day care centres provide healthy meals and expanding locally grown supply through Community Grocers to implement a more affordable food system into society. 

Recently, the initiative was awarded a $765,000 VicHealth Local Food Partnership Grant, to start action on making healthy food easier to get, supporting leadership and community groups around food and sustainability of the food systems.  

Research has found that 56 percent of food bought in supermarkets are ultra-processed foods and drinks. Along with 40 percent of diets in people living in Melbourne’s West being marked unhealthy. It comes as only 3 percent of adults in WPHU’s catchment are eating enough fruit and veg. 

Veronica Graham, Senior Manager for population health promotion and planning, said: “Access to healthy food isn’t equal. For many communities, cost, availability, and cultural access remain real barriers in the food system. Food First in the West is about changing that at a system level. 

“We’re proud to be part of this initiative, along with our 14 partners, driving this work to make real change that matters.”  

WPHU thanks VicHealth for their support and all our partners for their commitment and dedication to Food First in the West.