Moreland Food Access Project

What is Food Security?

‘Food security’ refers to the ability of all people to regularly access food that is

• Healthy
• Affordable
• Culturally appropriate
• Safe
• And without the use of emergency food relief. 

Poor food access can cause anxiety, hunger and lack of energy.  People experiencing food insecurity are more likely to be overweight or obese, feel excluded from society, and have a diet inconsistent with recommendations for good health, thus, be at risk of nutritional deficiencies.

 

Background

‘Access to nutritious foods’ became a Health Promotion priority within MCHS in 2006.  Throughout 2007 and 2008 the Moreland Food Access Project (MFAP) was designed to research food insecurity and related issues in the area. The work resulted in the Moreland Food Security Needs Assessment (2009) which identified areas in Moreland at greater risk or food insecurity.  This was done by:

• Assessing the severity of food insecurity in Moreland
• Identifying the opportunities for, and barriers to, strategies that address the issue 
• Identifying potential partners for action 
• Assessing some of the broader influences on food security within the City of Moreland, such as Council Policy and Victorian agricultural production.

The following maps were produced as part of the Moreland Food Security Needs Assessment and were produced in partnership with Moreland City Council:

 

Moreland food access maps

Fresh fruit and vegetable outlets
Fresh food outlets
Supermarkets and cost of standard basket of goods
Takeaway shop outlets
Alcohol outlets
Alcohol and takeaway outlets

  

Current Initiatives

Since 2007, MFAP has undertaken several projects to improve access to nutritious foods in Moreland.

Our current work includes:

• Fresh produce swaps
• Mulberry Gardens - Community kitchen garden in Glenroy
• Evaluating the Guide to Fresh Food in Moreland
• Food Access and the Promotion of Sustainable Food

 

Past Initiatives

Since 2007, we have trialled a number of initiatives aimed at improving access to nutritious foods.
These projects have included the following:

• Grow and Share
• Early childhood nutrition and oral health peer education program
• Guide to Fresh Food in Moreland and budgeting workshops
  

For information regarding these projects please contact us on healthpromotion@mchs.org.au 

 

Downloads

Moreland Food Security needs assessment

Needs assessment framework for local food security

Food, vouchers and other emergency relief

Moreland City Council’s Home Care food service

 

 

Environmental issues

Australian Food Sovereignty alliance

Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies (CERES)

Sustainable Gardening Australia

Sustainable Melbourne

Moreland Energy Foundation

Mothers Are Demystifying GE (MADGE)

 

Community gardens

Moreland Gardeners Network 

Guidelines for community gardens

Australian city farms and community gardens network

General nutrition

Community kitchens

Food cents ten plan shopping guide

Café meals program – North Yarra Community Health

Market fresh Fruit & Veg for health Marketfresh Healthy Kids