Some practical help is at hand in the battle to stay healthy during the current Covid-19 emergency: Gateway Health has published a set of two guides to a wide range of food resources we can all find close to home.
The Gateway Health Community Food Access Guide has been published in two editions - one for Albury-Wodonga and another for Wangaratta and surrounds.
The Albury-Wodonga guide has been compiled in association with the Wodonga Local Food Network, a group bringing together food producers, food retailers and eateries with an interest in keeping local food local.
Both guides are packed with information on where to find some of the best local produce, how to grow your own, how to prepare and cook healthy food, how to access local food delivery services - even where to get emergency food relief.
They also contain important information about safe handling and preparation of food during Covid-19.
The guides reflect an understanding that many people right now are struggling: not sure what's open for business, not sure how to balance the family budget, not sure what help's available, not sure how to get connected to people and groups that might be able to help share the load.
For some people, joining in with a local community food garden could be helpful, not just as a source of food but as a great way to be introduced to some other people with the same interest. (Subject to social distancing rules at present.) The guide provides pointers to some local garden groups.
During Covid-19, we're experiencing a boom in home cooking. More people are at home with more time on their hands. And it can be fun for children to get involved.
But it goes beyond just a matter of enjoyment. With many people not working or working reduced hours, and with household budgets tightening, there's a need to make each dollar go further.
We don't all have the skills and the confidence to be a whizz in the kitchen, let alone teach others how to do it. So, a bit of knowledge and confidence-building can help get started.
The two guides follow closely on from a similar guide produced recently for alpine communities by Alpine Health.
The two editions of the Community Food Access Guide can be found on the Gateway Health website.
The Wodonga Local Food Network can be reached here.
