The ACT Government has partnered with OzHarvest to support Canberrans experiencing hardship to eat healthier and improve their cooking skills.
OzHarvest received $247,500 through an ACT Health Canberra Grants program to deliver the NEST (Nutrition Education & Skills Training) program which aims to improve the food literacy and dietary behaviours of Canberrans who are experiencing adversity.
NEST was developed by nutritionists and dietitians and aligns with the Australian Dietary Guidelines. OzHarvest works closely with local community groups to deliver the series of six-week workshops focusing on healthy, low-cost food shopping and budgeting, cooking demonstrations and virtual supermarket tours.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said NEST was empowering Canberrans to nourish themselves and their families.
"The ACT Government is committed to investing in programs that improve the health and wellbeing of our community. Healthy eating brings a lifetime of benefits, helping to reduce the risk of developing chronic disease later in life.
"Since being rolled-out in Canberra, the NEST program has delivered more than 139 sessions to 222 participants and connected with 19 community organisations to ensure Canberrans are supported to continue their healthy food journey after they have graduated from the program.
"Those who have taken part in the program have reported they feel more confident cooking nutritious meals, have increased their food security and are less likely to consume unhealthy foods and drinks," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Participants who complete the program receive the NEST Everyday Cookbook, which offers nutritious, accessible, low-cost recipes and information on nutrition and affordability.
OzHarvest also provides participating community organisations with its NEST resource toolkit, which includes posters, factsheets, dietary guidelines and other resources to support nutritious eating.
The NEST program supports the goals of Healthy Canberra: ACT Preventive Health Plan 2020-2025, which seeks to improve the health of Canberrans through every stage of life.
Consultation is currently open on the next three-year Preventive Health Action Plan (2023-25), which will remain open until 28 July 2023.
