Council
15 October, 2025
Council sets a healthy food target
Wollondilly Shire Council is hoping to influence positive community health outcomes by endorsing a draft Healthy Food and Drink Policy.
Wollondilly Shire Council is hoping to influence positive community health outcomes by endorsing a draft Healthy Food and Drink Policy.
The policy will be placed on public exhibition and will be adopted at the end of the exhibition period if there are no contrary submissions.
Councillors were keen to point out at their September meeting that the policy was about modelling healthy behaviours with an emphasis on balance.
They said it would not infringe on an individual’s personal choices.
The policy is designed to increase the availability of healthy food and beverage choices for staff, councillors and visitors. It will apply to council activities and settings including internal meetings and events, council-run or supported community programs, council-owned or leased facilities, partnerships, contracts, funding agreements and vending machines or retail food services on council premises.
It sets a target for a 70/30 ratio of healthy to discretionary items, prioritises fresh whole foods, makes water the default drink and considers cultural and dietary needs.
The policy states that respect for personal choice is an important guiding principle.
It states: “While council will work to increase the availability and visibility of healthy options, it will not regulate or restrict individual decisions about the food people consume. The focus is on creating a food environment where the healthy option is more accessible, affordable and more appealing, enabling individuals to make informed choices aligned with their needs and preferences”.
Cr Jacqueline Jenson – who moved the staff recommendation that the draft policy be placed on exhibition – commended the work that had gone into developing a “practical and evidence-based approach to improving health outcomes across council and the community”.
“As a council we have a responsibility to not only invest in infrastructure and services but to lead by example in promoting healthy, balanced lifestyles,” she said.
She is confident the policy “strikes the right balance” and said it reflected council’s on-going commitment to “well-being, prevention and long-term community health”.
Cr Suzy Brandstater said the policy would set a positive example for the community without limiting personal choice.
“Poor nutrition is one of the leading causes of preventable disease and council has a role to play in modelling better habits,” she said.
Cr Ally Dench said she was “particularly chuffed” to see the draft policy come forward for exhibition.
She said it would set a balanced and practical standard and “make the healthy choice the easy choice”.
“Overall it’s a really positive step for the health and well-being of our staff and community,” she said.
Mayor Matt Gould said he still had concerns about the practical implementation of the 70/30 ratio at events but agreed the draft policy was ready for public exhibition.
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