Health Minister Roger Cook today announced the Western Australian School Canteen Association Inc. (WASCA) has been awarded an $883,861 grant to deliver services aimed at creating healthier food and drink environments in community settings across WA.
Community Nutrition Support Services, which will be delivered by WASCA over the next three years in partnership with Healthway, will allow eligible community organisations access to the Fuel to Go & Play™ accreditation program and online hub.
The hub encompasses online training, and resources which have been instrumental in providing nutrition support to community venues.
The funding will also allow WASCA to work with health professionals across the State, especially in regional and remote locations to deliver healthier food environments.
Eligible community organisations include State sporting associations and peak bodies, sporting clubs, arts and community events, aquatic, recreation and community centres, entertainment venues and stadiums funded through the Healthway Grants Programs.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"We want all Western Australians, especially children and young people to have better access to healthier food and drink options and reduce the availability and promotion of sugary drinks.
"By providing healthy options in community settings we can positively shape a child's preferences and dietary habits from an early age, and make it easier for everyone to follow a healthy lifestyle.
"This service will increase the capacity and skills of people involved in delivering community programs to create a healthy food and drink environment that we can all enjoy."
