DHS nutrition projects

The Department of Human Services plays a role in Public Health Nutrition program delivery and capacity building in Victoria. This role is built on a principle of effective partnerships within communities, government and non-government health organisations, education and the private sector. Strategic directions in Public Health Nutrition are outlined in Eat Well Australia: An Agenda for Action for Public Health Nutrition 2000 - 2010, developed by the Strategic Inter-Governmental Nutrition Alliance of the National Public Health Partnership.

Project areas

• Healthy weight - The increasing prevalence of obesity is a major public health problem in Australia. Australia has devised a strategic plan for the prevention of overweight and obesity 'Acting on Australia's Weight'.
  
  
• Vegetables & fruit - Many Australians do not consume enough vegetables and fruit for optimal health. Variations in consumption can be seen in different socioeconomic groups, where people live and differences in age and sex.
  
  
• Vulnerable groups - Food insecurity is a significant factor in reducing health status and quality of life amongst many disadvantaged groups in Australia.
  
  
• Victorian Aboriginal people - Major causes of death in Aboriginal people can be attributed to nutrition related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
  
  
• Capacity building - Public Health Nutrition exists within an extensive infrastructure of government and non-government organisations, service and program delivery systems and the food supply system, covering production through to consumption.